Transcript from the Cornishman 30 July 1936
Researched through the British Newspaper Archive & Morrab Library, Penzance
An OCR transcript is provided because the original image of the newspaper is hard to read. There are uncorrected errors from the OCR transcription process.
THE RITZ, PENZANCE
CORNWALL'S MOST SUMPTUOUS CINEMA
SPECTACULAR OPENING CEREMONY
AUDIENCE CHARMED BY MIGHTY ORGAN.
The formal opening of the new Ritz Theatre, on Monday night,
marked a tremendous advance the Cinematograph world at Penzance. Built by the
Union Cinema Co., it embodies the latest ideas in film projection and all its
accessories. Well planned, it is luxuriously furnished, and the comfort of the
cheapest seats is equal to that of the highest priced.
The decorations are artistic and restful, and the lighting
arrangements are designed to enhance this effect. One attraction the Ritz alone
possesses among cinemas Cornwall is what is known the Mighty Organ. The
services of Mr. Harold Ramsay, famous for his organ broadcasts, were secured
for the opening of this wonderful instrument, and the audience were charmed by
his renditions that his selections had to be prolonged.
Those who were unable
to be present at the opening ceremony will pleased to hear that the identical
programme Is retained all the week.
Everything in the theatre is in keeping with its elaborate
character. There is a large staff to cope with the requirements patrons. Page
boys in smart uniforms are in the spacious, heavily carpeted foyer to direct
ticket-holders to the different sections; girl attendants in smart
semi-military uniforms conduct them to their seats so that the public
convenience is studied every way.
The opening ceremony on Monday night was well worthy of the
occasion. It was well-conceived and carried out with dramatic effect: brief but
impressive.
The Mayor .(Ald. Robt. Thomas J.P- C.C.), who had accepted
the management's invitation to formally declare the theatre open-, accompanied
on the platform by the Mayoress (Mrs. Thomas), the Town Clerk (Mr. R. C. E.
Austin) and Mrs. Austin, and other civic dignitaries. Powerful electric lights
were focused to the beautiful curtains, and these were withdrawn a prelude of
rolling drums, and a fanfare of trumpets by buglers in oriental costumes. The
Resident Manager (Mr. Austin E. Marsh) briefly introduced the Mayor, and
explained that, by his appointment resident manager of the Ritz, he had
returned to his native Cornwall, after an absence of ten years. (Mr. Marsh is a
son of the late Canon F. S. Marsh, vicar of St. Ives). He thanked the Mayor for
accepting the invitation. The Mayor in his speech traced the history the cinema
in Penzance, and paid a compliment to everyone connected with its progress
—except himself, who, as is well known, has been the mainspring of the
enterprise locally and has been the source of inspiration that has kept
Penzance in the forefront for many years in filmland.
THE MAYOR S SPEECH.
Greeted with applause, the Mayor said:
-No form of entertainment has made such rapid strides the
film industry, and it is with all modesty that I make the assertion that
Penzance has kept pace with the national advance this direction. My
recollection of this popular pastime in Penzance extends over a longer period
of time than I sometimes care to remember, but this function recalls vividly to
my mind what perhaps might* described the pioneer age of this particular class
of amusement as far as this locality is concerned. I expect there are others
present this evening who can look back with me to what was, believe, the first
picture theatre in. Penzance—"The Rink," in New Street, on the site where
the Penzance and District Steam Laundry is now erected. Another then made its appearance in Market Jew-street, where
Messrs. Holman's garage now stands and must digress at this stage to pay a
tribute to its founder, Mr. Colin Bennett. (Applause). Mr. Bennett had natural
aptitude for this type of work and he applied himself whole-heartedly to it,
with the result that he was at one time Technical Editor of what is known as
the "Kinematograph Weekly," and also contributed much in a very
practical way to the success of the coloured pictures, which find such favour
with cinema fans today. This lead was followed quickly other interested
persons, and the next theatres to be established were the
"Picturedrome" in 1910, and the "Cinema" and the
"Pavilion'' 1912. And so the march of the time goes on, until in the
latter part of 1928 there was introduced to the public-at-large the films
familiarly referred to "Talkies," and Penzance was one of the first
towns in the West of England to have them, for, in July 1929, the renowned
cinema orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Walter Barnes, which had for many
years given such pleasure to visitors and residents alike, was superseded the
"Talkies," and so will be readily appreciated that those who have
gone before have prepared the way for this magnificent building which is to be
opened to-night. (Applause). The site which "The Ritz" stands was
formerly occupied a well-known house "The Horse and Jockey," which
was closed in 1911, and the splendid building now erected has not only resulted
in a street improvement, but it has also contributed to the comfort of picture goers
by reason the installation of excellent organ and the provision of up-to-date
seating accommodation, etc. Competition in any business invariably to the
advantage of the patrons, and am sure the Union Cinemas Ltd., and the Penzance
Cinemas Ltd., although in opposition, will work in friendly and healthy
rivalry, one towards the other, and with local population of 20,000 there
undoubtedlv room in the borough for both enterprises. (Hear, hear). As you are
aware, I have taken very active part in the entertainment side of this town for
nearly twenty five years, and that being so, I greatly appreciate the
compliment which has been paid me in being asked to perform this opening
ceremony. The Cinema Co. has made a happy choice in their manager, Mr. Marsh. I
am sure he will prove to be a capable and tactful manager and will look after
the best interests of his patrons and company (Applause). I now have pleasure
in declaring "The Ritz Theatre" duly opened, and I hope and feel sure
you will have very enjoyable evening. (Applause). Handsome bouquets of
carnations presented by the management to the Mayoress and other ladies on the
stage.
