The Ritz Cinema Penzance - Opening Ceremony 27 July 1936

 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 Powerful electric lights were focused to the beautiful curtains, and these were withdrawn a prelude of rolling drums, and a fanfare of trumpets by buglers in oriental costumes.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.