PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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THE FIRST FILMSHOWS It was not long before the management of the Grand Theatre, in Union Street, Stonehouse, recognised the importance of the latest invention - the cinematograph. On November 30th 1896 the Western Daily Mercury newspaper carried an advert that: 'George Du Maurier's "Trilby" will be preceded nightly by the Wonder of the Age the Cinematographe'. The advert continued: 'This Wonderful Machine is now the rage of Europe, and will be shown nightly. Animated Photographs representing with Marvellous Accuracy Scenes in Everyday Life. Living! Moving! Breathing!' Thus filmshows became a "turn" in a variety show at the Grand Theatre. On Monday July 5th 1897 one of the "turns" was provided by Messrs E & F Poole's Diamond Jubilee Myriorama, which included the cinematograph of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Procession in London on June 22nd 1897. This at first comprised three reels of film. The first shew the Cape Mounted Rifles passing St Paul's Cathedral. The second brought to life the arrival at St Paul's of the Queen's carriage. The third reel shew the Queen's carriage and Escort outside the Cathedral. Other reels were to be added as they became available. Mr Robert Paul shot twelve films of which three match the description given above but several other companies issued unidentified 75ft reels of the procession so it is at present impossible to be sure whose films were shown at the Grand Theatre.
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