PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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PALLADIUM CINEMA, FORD
The leading film was a Vitagraph, entitled "The Combat", in which the popular cinema artiste, Miss Anita Stewart, took the leading role. In the cast of another scene called "Caprice", Miss Mary Pickford appeared with great success. Interest in the drama "John Carlton's Double" was enhanced by the fact that the convict scenes had been filmed at Princetown and the views of the sea at St Ives. Included amongst the humorous pictures was a Triangle comedy entitled "Her Painted Hero". 'Music was discoursed by an efficient orchestra', the review concluded. A gallery was added a year or so later when the plans of Mr Prance and a subsequent licensee, Mr A Fredman, were approved. From November 8th 1925 the minimum admission charge to local cinemas became 6d. That year also saw an unusual development at the Palladium, Ford. Its licence had just been transferred from Mr Fredman to a Mr E W Price when an application was made to the Council for permission to open the cinema in the winter months for concerts. Although that wish was granted, it is not clear whether it was ever put into effect. Mr Fredman became its licensee again in 1926 but when it was renewed in 1927 it passed to Mr Henry Banks Bambridge Mather. He continued to run the Ford Palladium for the following 35 years or so, with Mr A Sullivan as his manager. The seating capacity in 1939 was quoted as being 430 but by 1953 it was only 383. |
