PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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St JAMES'S HALL AS A CINEMA In July 1910 Mr Henry N Phillips, proprietor of the Aberdeen Picturedrome, in Scotland, acquired the lease of the St James's Hall in Union Street, Plymouth, and after extensive alterations and redecoration reopened it as a ciname on Tuesday August 2nd 1910. The films, which included a Western and an episode from Napoeon's career, were supplied by British Animated Pictures direct from the Coliseum in Leeds, the adverts said. The admission for the two performances, at 3 and 7.45pm, were 2d, 4d, 6d or 9d and the adverts invited the public to view the 'largest and brightest pictures in the Three Towns'. Claiming that it was 'the home of animated pictures', the adverts also stated that it was 'the best ventilated hall in the Three Towns' and that there was 'no flickering'. Mr W H Anderson was the resident manager. The orchestra was under the direction of Mr H Wilson and the vocalist was Mr S Travers. The cinema licence was held by Mr E H Lamb but by the end of 1911 it had passed to Mr Percy T Renny. It was then held by Mr William Waugh and later by Mr Edward Owen before passing into the hands of Mr Joseph Mont Gilpin in July 1914. In January 1918 the licence was transferred to Mr William P J T West and soon after that to Mr J W P Mundell. From October 1918 until closure it was held by Mr Harry W Knowles.
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