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Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 30, 2011, 10:46 PM:
Well folks after having a cinema of sorts in this area of town for over 50 years, in three weeks time there aint one. Got a free coffee last week from the mall owners over a wee chat. We knew it was coming, but this time they set the date of closing the place on 18th November with the demolition starting on the 21st.
I have to admit it was still a bitter pill to swallow upon hearing this considering we are making good money and profitable, however the building is in the way for the re-development that they have planned.
Anyway I did some research, that since 1998, thats how far back the present records go the three 35mm projectors have completed 71.175 sreenings of the total of 757 films since 1998. In 13 years of constant 12-14 hours of daily use we have had only 3 breakdowns in that time. The longest taking half a day to fix. For me its been an amazing journey as a projectionist roughly threading those projectors 22.890 times and never been out of frame or scratched a film once.
People who say 35mm should get replaced because it gets scratched etc and all the other excuses I have heard over the years to change to digital are talking rot.
The last school holidays we were flat out with many sessions of Smurfs...Johnny English etc sold out. When I put a sign up last weekend stating the closing date and thanking folk for the support over the years....well that stirred up a lot of...they cant shut this place...we always bring our kids here...but there has always been a cinema here....we like coming here...start a petition...and so on. Folk are not happy at it going so I dont think the owners are in for a easy ride ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
For myself and the other staff its the matter of finding another job. I will certainly miss this place, the people I have got to know over the years, the kids I have worked with.. keeping me on my toes.. we are running for staff only "Titanic" on the old Bauer "my baby" on the last night, they want to see that one on the big screen.
These charming young ladies helped to cut up strips of film 24 frames to give away to the kids during the last school holidays
one of the screens
downstairs
This one was taken a while ago...local kids visited the projection room.
......My Baby...the "Bauer" soon to be scrapped.
downstairs again...soon to close for good.
Graham.
Posted by David Michael Leugers (Member # 166) on October 30, 2011, 11:40 PM:
Saying, "That sucks!" doesn't do justice to the situation. I agree 100 percent that the put-forth reasons for doing away with 35mm projection (scratches, broken film etc) is total garbage. 35mm projection had reached perfection some years ago, at least 20 years in my area. Now we are expected to accept a much poorer experience for the same money... no thanks. I like how you are showing "Titanic" as the farewell showing to your staff.
Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on October 31, 2011, 12:17 AM:
Grant
Sad news indeed. We had our local cinema torn down 2 years ago. I had seen my first James Bond film in 1962 for 20 cents! Then put an addition on to the school next door after it was demolished. Everytime I go by there now I still can't believe it's gone. matter of fact, several years ago when it was up for sale I almost bought the theater myself. best of luck to you!
PatD
Posted by Larry Arpin (Member # 744) on October 31, 2011, 12:56 AM:
It's not pleasant getting laid off even when you know it is coming. I certainly know that feeling. Sorry to see another 'film' cinema go down.
Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on October 31, 2011, 01:32 AM:
Graham, reading of your various adventures there, complete with great photos, is one of my highlights at this forum. I will miss hearing of your goings on at the theater! If WE feel sad, I can just imagine YOU, so sorry. However, we can all look forward to your next adventure, whatever that proves to be.
Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on October 31, 2011, 04:43 AM:
Graham. Just wanted to say very sorry to read the news and not a good time. On the up side the pictures you posted tell a wonderful story of young people discovering film and how it all works with those little individual frames making those bigger moving pictures. It is a tragedy the real ‘moving picture houses’ are leaving us as has happened many times in the last 12 months over here as well and the cinema experience is fast becoming something entirely different I find from what we are used to. Every good wish to you for your own future.
Posted by Allan Broadfield (Member # 2298) on October 31, 2011, 10:51 AM:
What a shame. You have all my sympathy from one who started the year redundant from a film laboratory, and all down to redevelopement and the march of digital. I can see how you can form an attatchment not only to fellow workers but to that faithfull equipment you have nursed over the years. My job also included a lot of nursing of film printing machinery which I now imagine is on the scrapheap, being considered obselete.
All the best on your next venture, Graham.
Posted by Claus Harding (Member # 702) on October 31, 2011, 11:35 AM:
Graham,
Your post is a painful one, but it also has a lot of beauty to it.
Your track record as a projectionist is what the job is all about: consistently flawless screenings, run on great gear.
As usual, people don't realize what they are losing until it is gone.
You've done "the business" proud and no one can take that away from you, sad as it is to close.
I wish you all the best in whatever the future brings for you.
Claus.
Posted by Alex Fox (Member # 94) on October 31, 2011, 01:24 PM:
Hello Graham,Sorry to read that they are going to close your cinema,and that your are going to be out of a job, do they intend to build cinemas in the new complex.Wishing you all the best .Alex.
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on October 31, 2011, 02:16 PM:
I hope that you will be taking home many a momento of that lovely looking theater, (35MM trailers and stuff of choice).
One of my fanatsies has always been to be in a small town, out in the middle of nowhere, and finding an abandoned shut down movie theater and just rummaging through the place to see what I find, from ancient candy boxes and wrappers to whatever.
Quite sad to hear of your beloved theater closing.
It makes me look forward to the day when, if I live long enough, the damned "digital theaters" closing for whatever is already in the pipeline for the future!
Now I'm pissed, and I was having such a good day!
Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on November 01, 2011, 12:46 AM:
H used to work at this cinema several years ago along side Graham and company and it was great fun! and a neat place to work!, I am sad to see it shut down! ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I will pop in on "Titanic" night for one last time!
Posted by Antonis Galanakis (Member # 1455) on November 01, 2011, 02:20 AM:
Graham
The cinema closing is very sad. The idea of giving the film cells to the kids was great; they will remember it for ever! We thank you for the pictures.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 01, 2011, 03:34 AM:
Thanks everyone
We had a visit of the film reviewer for the main city newspaper today and after a chat he wants to take it further and is passing it on the the news reporters plus asked for the ok for photos to be taken as well, so it sounds like the old place wont just disappear without some kind of mention which is nice. Its a pity that there are no plans to build another one in this part of the city, so cinema wise things are a bit thin on the ground.
The owners have offered me the Bauer projector, so will think about whats involved and if so where I can put it ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
I have been in many jobs over the years but this one was the best. I think there is a bit of a showman in all of us making up and screening films is a thrill and that goes for Super8 as well its that "wow" factor that only film projection can give
and its been great sharing it with others over the years.
Graham.
Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on November 01, 2011, 04:39 AM:
Graham, sad story indeed. Hope you can keep "your" Bauer.
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 01, 2011, 12:54 PM:
I agree Graham, I think you have to be a showman to be into collecting film and projectors in the first place.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 04, 2011, 03:18 PM:
Looking at all the bits we have in stock for the Bauer, new mirrors etc I think I can fix it so it will last another 40 years. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
so will give the removal of a go after we shut.
I called the local high school yesterday to let them know if any classes want to see the 35mm projectors going before film is history. I was surprised at the strong reaction regarding about the cinema closing with nothing in this area to replace it, people are taking it personal they dont want more shops plenty of those but a cinema yes...but its not going to happen.
One of the teens downstairs came up with this which I think is really neat
Posted by Claus Harding (Member # 702) on November 04, 2011, 05:13 PM:
That is such a nice touch!
End it with the flag flying, and whatever happens, don't let the Bauer and the spare parts get thrown out
Best,
Claus.
Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on November 07, 2011, 12:53 AM:
Hi Graham
That is a nice invite image!
Would it be ok if Gavin comes along for the show as he was one of the 1st projectionist's there when it opened.
Pat
Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on November 07, 2011, 03:54 AM:
Sad to hear, Graham, I still remember very well when we where facing this very situation just a few years ago, but we were "lucky" and were included in the digital revolution.
But demolishing it!? PREPOSTEROUS!
Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on November 07, 2011, 07:42 AM:
So sorry to see this dreadful news - it has always been great to see Graham's posts, reminding us of a friendly, inviting-sounding cinema that continued to use 35mm and continued to maintain the highest standards possible.
Speaking as someone who has been highly involved in a campaign to save a cinema closed in South London earlier this year, however bleak the situation may seem, I really hope that outraged local people will get organised quickly and kick up as much of a fuss about this as they can. Not just by expressing their disapproval to the owners and the local Press, but to the local council - or whatever body has to sanction the demolition and change of usage. I suspect that the indecent haste with which closure and demolition is planned is a ploy to try and get it over with before opposition can build up. If the cinema is clearly profitable, surely the local body in charge of planning, etc, should acknowledge that replacing a popular amenity with additional shops is damaging to the town, so I hope those passionate about saving the cinema will tell any key local politicians that their support is expected. If hundreds of people quickly make it clear that they don't want to lose their cinema; they will 'name and shame' the owners; and they will promote a boycott of whatever development would replace the cinema, it will give the owners something to think about. If the owners gain a sense that closing the cinema could be more trouble than it's worth, surely they could come up with some sort of compromise that retains it cinema within whatever plans they have?
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 07, 2011, 11:59 AM:
Thanks again
The Saurday newspaper ran an article on it by two reporters which was very good. The heading by one "Cinema closure so Shortsighted" was written by the film editor.
Its a lengthy article so have picked out just a couple of parts. I am pleased it got into the main city paper. The fate of the cinema might be sealed but its nice that the place has got a mention before it goes.
Extracts from the newspaper.
Its survived multiple earthquakes, massive rivals and the rise of 3D, but Hornby's 20-year old Movieland has finally met its match in the form of "progress"
A community hub "long before the mall's marketers acquired the moniker" it beggers belief that the mall owners haven't found room for this beloved three-screen cinema in their expansion plans.
One of the joys of Movieland was that it was a truly independent cinema, catering to the over-50s and young families. It was the first Christchurch cinema to introduce weekly sessions specifically for mothers and their young charges rather than the typical teenage crowd.
Older cinemagoers enjoyed the quiet, relaxed atmosphere during term time, while the place would be packed out with children and their parents come the school holidays. This would surely have occurred again in December and January when the likes of Puss in Booots, Happy Feet2 and Alvin and the Chipmunks3 hit town.
The city will be much the poorer for the quirky and welcoming cinema's demise. Mall retailers may find they've driven some of their most loyal customers towards Riccarton.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on November 08, 2011, 07:02 PM:
Graham,
I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say that I hope the closing of the cinema will not result in the end of your posting on this forum. I have enjoyed your posts immensely, for many years, and I hope you will continue with them.
After all, if you get that Bauer into your house you will have a lot to share with us!
Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on November 08, 2011, 08:36 PM:
The shame of it all is that wherever you are you see the ending of places like this: common ground for people to meet and enjoy themselves, maybe make some memories for years later, and what goes in it's place but more chain retail stores.
Our own local drive-In theater is sitting under a Target now. Lowes is scheduled to knock down the multiplex that replaced the drive-in next year.
Don't get me wrong: I like to be able to buy a book or a shirt or a set of socket wrenches as much as anybody, but wihout common space doesn't that move us more towards "All work and no play"? Is that healthy?
Graham is a film guy through and through: we will see him for a long time I am sure!
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 08, 2011, 11:19 PM:
Paul and Steve
Thanks very much for your comments. Steve you mention all work and no play, well thats pretty much the thinking I am dealing with and in the owners eyes its all about $$$$$. I had a meeting with the mall manager yesterday, seemingly he had a number of calls and e-mails of complaints about the closing. I said "good" you lot deserve it He booked the cinema the other week to announce the grand plan. I sat at the back watching this audio/visual intro music of 2001 A Space Odyssey etc etc. The presetation was very good, although a wee voice in my head kept saying not so nice things about the owners.
As the meeting came to the end someone said the word "cinema" oh! the reply from one of the directors "there is not going to be one". Well you could here a pin drop in that theatre...yes I thought its sinking in.
Yesterday I got a call from the press about a photo of me with the projectors they want to do a follow up article on the film/digital thing they are doing. I said fine so yours truly might be in the paper. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
The camera he used was a "Canon" a "big fancy digital job" the photographer seemed to be having trouble with it. I said what you need is this, so I pulled out my old "Canon" FTB loaded with slide film.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Anyway we had a good chat about 35mm and later in the day the mall manager indicated he wanted to come to our final screeing, we might have a difference of opinion but we do get on OK.
The Bauer "my baby" is coming with me and have found a place in the garage for it. I am sure I can get it up and running with 6000ft reels as all that stuff in still around. Might get the "Movieland" sign and fix it above the garage door....the phoenix has risen.
The main thing is to get another job my "wife" tells me, otherwise this might be me by....Christmas.
I put our last film together and the 35mm Scope print looks really good.
I must add that I have no complaints at all, its been an amazing 13 years and have been very lucky to have had the chance to work as a projectionist. Film is still very much alive at home and will continue projecting it for many many years to come.
Graham.
Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on November 08, 2011, 11:22 PM:
that film looks good Graham!
Posted by Allan Broadfield (Member # 2298) on November 09, 2011, 05:26 AM:
One bit of good news, our local paper in Bromley has announced a new cinema planned for the high street. Don't know the technology to be used but could make a rough guess.
Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on November 09, 2011, 06:16 AM:
Sounds like the mall owners didn't appreciate the irony of using the very facility they will demolish to announce the new development. Perhaps it will sink in when they want to publicise their next plans.
Allan: I actually think that's bad news about Bromley. A new cinema will almost certainly kill off the Empire, which I like to support as 3 out of 4 screens are still 35mm and the admission prices are good value.
Posted by Allan Broadfield (Member # 2298) on November 09, 2011, 07:35 AM:
I hope you're wrong, the Empire, formally known as the Odeon lived quite comfortably opposite the Astor for many years, until the management of the Astor decided to convert to bingo.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 19, 2011, 12:36 AM:
Well folks its all over we ran our last sessions last night and it was really busy. The last few weeks have been exhausting, so many people have come up to let us know how they feel. We ran "Titanic" on the Wednesday night for the staff with a new Xenon lamp on the old Bauer, well she might be going down with the ship but but was dressed for the occasion
I must admit its been many years "1997" since I last watched this movie and watching it again on the big screen "side masking moves out for Scope" was very impressive, I also cranked up the Dolby Digital, "great sub" anyway what a night. The teens that we employ had only ever watched it on video, it was a one of chance for them and they all enjoyed it.
On the "Titanic" night a young kid turned up at the counter with his dad and a box of biscuit he and his mum had made for the staff which was a really nice thing to do.
I invited the mall manager, even told him that he has to start the projector...funny he was a bit nervous about doing that, but he did and got his photo taken doing it
I did feel it was a way of getting the point across just what they are loosing rather than my ramlings. The movie "Titanic" did that itself.
Today it was a matter of getting my baby out of the place "the Bauer" plus a few other bits and bobs the owners have given me, this will take a few days to get things done. In the years working in this place which is situated in a industrial part of the city and mostly young families we have had no problems with the people that live in the area and that in itself has really impressed me. Our young projectionist that started here when he was just 15 and now got an electrical apprentiship, turned up with his family last night to say thanks and presented me with a bottle of "Whisky" which was really nice of him "a great kid with a bright future"
As to my future, well I better find another job, but will also get the old Bauer up and running in my "Movieland" plus got all the bits to fit a Dolby Digital reader etc to my 1920s Ernemann 35mm....its on the cards.
me next to the "Kinoton" a really nice projector and its for "sale" like the rest of the stuff. The sad part is that there is little or no valve for 35mm film gear these days due to Digital projection, a lot of this stuff will get thrown out which is a pity.
Lastly yours truly hit the main newspaper, much to my surpise last week called "Curtain call for Celluloid" a well written article and photos by the press reporter. It surprised me the folk that I have bumped into that have read it. I did say to the staff I could do a signed autograph for $10 dollars...no takers, by the end of the day it was down to 50 cents...still no takers....such is the price of fame
Graham.
[ November 19, 2011, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: Graham Ritchie ]
Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on November 19, 2011, 06:26 PM:
Nice photo Graham, a real shame that the old place has finally shut up shop for good! Heck it survived earthquakes and all of that only to be lost due to some people just caring about the old $ which is a shame.
At least you will have a good memento from the place, be it a very heavy one!
Posted by David Kilderry (Member # 549) on November 19, 2011, 06:48 PM:
That is a great picture Graham; poignant, sad, proud.
I feel for you; running a cinema is a very tough business; many dream about it, few get to do it.
How did we get to run our dream (drive-in)? My brother and I sold our houses, sold our former business and resigned from very good roles at major companies. It has been tough at times, but worth it. I have come to realise that nobody will ever come and give you your dream, you have to go out and get it.
I am sure you'll look back on these years Graham as a wonderful achievement; entertaining people and employing them.
Best of luck.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 20, 2011, 02:00 AM:
Thanks Pat and David
It was a dream job and consider myself very lucky to have had the chance to do it. When I looked through our records of all the films we have screened since I started. Its amazing what thoughts comes back to me. The nice thing about this cinema was, that it was small enough to be personal with the staff and customers and that was something I really enjoyed. I would say that for the rest of the staff as well, many being young and the first job was an experence they wont forget.
Although the owners can see the $$$$ from more retail space they forget what the movies are all about and how important they are to the folk that live here and those feelings expressed to me lately from customers I guess is a testament to everyone and the cinema itself and for that I am very gratefull.
I am going to have a break for a few weeks. I will miss making up films for the school holidays, the place alive with a buzz, the staff and the enjoyement of projecting film.
However here are a couple of photos of staff taken by the mall manager on the "Titanic" evening.
Where did you go Pat?..cant see you in the photo.
I took this one a few weeks ago just before we we put the flood lights on for filming, although we made a DVD a few years back it was nice to shoot a few rolls of Super8 film as well.
Graham.
Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on November 20, 2011, 04:07 PM:
Hi Graham, Im not in the photo because I arrived late!
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 21, 2011, 12:37 PM:
I should mention that I caught "Pat" Mr Titanic himself following asleep near the end of the movie...tut..tut.
Got my last pay yesterday although I was offered a job in the mall as "Santa" I dont think a Scottish Santa would go down well with the wee ones. I told my wife this, she said..but you dont even like kids except your own. I would probably tell the we ones that the "Ho Ho Ho" has gone with Santas last job and Christmas has just been cancelled, so all you are going to get this year is a lump of coal.
Anyway, thankfully with the help with the eletrician that I have known for years and is employed to make the cinema "safe" he de-wired my baby, changed the wiring "single phase in" made up a temp lead with just a mains plug to try out, we bought the old girl back to life and it worked. The motor ran fine, red reader and the Xenon 1600watts at 62amps with a total current draw measured from the temp lead of 16amps "not bad" so providing the garage can take 20amps and proper wiring it will work. However I will look at other options "lamp wise"
The Bauer has got the original reel arms "to be fitted" and can take 6000ft reels, got some of those as well..so I feel very positive about getting the projector up and running, it may sound nuts in this digital age but why not!
Graham.
Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on November 21, 2011, 02:40 PM:
Graham....no it's not nuts, it's sweet!
I am sorry to hear about the closing of the cinema but glad to see the fun you had on the last showing. That is really nice that you got the projector and that you will be able to use it. You will have many more screenings....maybe you can invite some of the old gang over to your garage for some!
Bill
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 22, 2011, 11:23 AM:
Thanks Bill
Yesterday was spent getting the projector ready for removal and tonight its on its way. The owners have spent little time boarding the place up "out of sight out of mind" and only found out they are going to leave it that way until the middle of January. Even though it was making money and a good line up of Christmas movies. I am really annoyed with these people, in the way they have treated everyone. Last week I had a visit from one of the original shareholders, who and others had got out of it due to problems with this mall. All this was before my time, anyway I will get the projector out of there ASAP.
Here are a few photos.
People that worked here took pride in the place and to see it this way is depressing.
Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on November 22, 2011, 01:10 PM:
Hi Graham
I understand your feelings. Get all you can out of there brfore you don't have access anymore. Better in your home than elsewhere. I think os really great thaqt your going to havr that projector in your home. Sort of a rememberance of things past. Sometimes progress stands in the way of history. I wis you the best in your future endeavors.
Best
Pat DAlessio
PS Are you going to mount the projector on shock absorbers?
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 23, 2011, 01:23 PM:
Hi Pat
Its in the garage now, what a job getting it here, very heavy will post the progress of its revival down the track as a separate topic.
Regards Graham.
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 23, 2011, 02:03 PM:
LOvely screenshot of that print!
This "disposable" culture of ours ... to be demolishing that beautiful cinema ... just pitiful! My sympathies.
Posted by Flavio Stabile (Member # 357) on November 23, 2011, 04:45 PM:
Hi Graham, very nice pictures, all the ones you have posted...
Really sad to read all the post so far...
Flavio
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on November 25, 2011, 01:25 PM:
My "very" small moment of fame ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
in the main newspaper last week, cant remember saying all that to the reporter but its nice all the same.
Posted by William Mouroukas (Member # 2764) on November 25, 2011, 03:01 PM:
I share the feelings being expressed here and it's terrible there will be no cinema in your area. When in the 1970's the last of my area's classic cinema's closed to make way for a shopping mall, there was such an outcry the developers had to include a cinema. But that was when the only projection medium was film. I do believe these electronic cinemas, whatever they're called' will change the cinematic experianse to the detriment of the studios.
Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 25, 2011, 10:13 PM:
The saddest photo's to me were of the empty lobby, projectionist booth. It's all so lifeless and hollow now, where, a few days before, it was bustling with business.
... and the ba***rds who make the decisions as to what or who survive or not, kick back comfortably, counting thier money.
It shouldn't surprise me, or make me moody after all this time, but it does.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 20, 2012, 02:23 AM:
I was asked if I could visit the place to help out removing a platter. Its the first time in quite a whileso took the opportunity to take a couple of photos.
this one is a 35mm slide I took on the last week in November.
taken last week. The Simplex has gone as with the most of the sound system. The amps went cheap to folk in a local band, what a mess.
Taken on the last night in November. I think this is a good photo the mall manager took of the Kinoton in its glory.
Three months on and its still for sale as with the sound system, screen, seats, the lot. The sad part about all this is there is so little value or interest in 35mm gear these days due to the change over to digital, what a waste
Graham.
Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on February 20, 2012, 03:11 AM:
Graham, could you send all your photos to Mr. Wilton so he can include your story in a forthcoming issue of 'Super 8 Film Review'. I'm sure he'll want to run the story as the new magazine 'Film Collector' is all about film and none of that DVD tosh that has ruined other fanzines on the film collecting hobby.
Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on February 20, 2012, 07:55 AM:
That's so sad Graham. What a feeling you must have had in your gut when you returned. It's like going to a friends wake. Keep posting the pics.
Pat
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 20, 2012, 06:17 PM:
Pat
It did feel a bit strange going back in there, its not the place to hang around thats for sure.
John
I will send Keith a heap of stuff very soon and he can decide what he wants to use.
Regards Graham.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 15, 2013, 11:07 PM:
Well we paid a visit to the cinema or whats left of it expecting it to be totally gone....surprise surprise the building is still there.
I also bumped into the mall manager who told me they are still recieving quite a few calls "amazing after all this time" asking when is it going to open.
Its closing has not gone down well with the locals.... well the local kids can bounce on the bedroom mattress's for entertainment when the new store eventually opens
The poor old place is dying a slow death shame.
Graham.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on May 17, 2013, 08:38 PM:
Well its finally gone ...it took a while, but thankfully I shot plenty of video and even some Super8 film, plus slides of the place over the years. I still marvel at how reliable the 35mm projection equipment was. It just kept going and going...amazing really. Lately I caught up with some of the past staff who all miss the place, especially the buzz during the school holidays.
The cinema did its job of entertaining the locals over the years and to date nothing cinema wise will be replacing it in that area....anyway I am glad I have another job and money is coming in. I still miss the people and the movies but thats life.
...that used to be the projection room up there
....two weeks on from the last photo....gone.
Graham.
Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on May 20, 2013, 12:03 AM:
As hard as it is to look at this stuff, yet I'm glad you've posted it so we can, I can imagine what it feels like for you.
It really stinks when the end of an era comes about this way.
Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on May 20, 2013, 05:27 AM:
Graham
I'll bet you had a lump in your throat when you took these photos. I know the feeling. We had an old cinema torn down here and I felt a piece of my life was taken away. The theater where I saw my first James Bond film for 20 cents is gone. And to think, I almost bought the theater when it was up for sale. I just couldn't come up with the down payment. You never know.
PatD
Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on May 20, 2013, 08:10 AM:
Quite an important document/thread this one and perhaps its good to look at one upside as well in that many collectors have jumped at the opportunity to preserve equipment which otherwise would have hit the skip. The mind boggles how much it would cost to re tool for a production run of new 35mm projectors if the need ever arose some years on. As you mention Graham the down side of owning a Kinoton is they blasted nearly break your back when lifting, but what a cracking projector and so pleased I rescued mine in time.
I'm looking for a pair of good Premier rewinders at the moment.
Posted by David Ollerearnshaw (Member # 3296) on May 20, 2013, 09:18 AM:
Hi, Sometimes progress is backwards. At least you have the happy memories, and the photos.
I noticed on one of the pictures looking at the platters, was there some films left on them?
Best Wishes.
David
Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on May 21, 2013, 03:11 AM:
Graham, I know just how you feel,the sense of loss,the anger and
wondering why.I think a curse is following me,where ever I spend
any length of time......gets demolished, my last school, my tech.
college, my places of employment, even the street where I was
born, half gone.This is the throwaway society we live in,everything
must make a profit,or it's destroyed,there's no room for anything
that doesn't make someone a fistful of money.At least you have
your memories of happy times in a place that was really your
second home,and a collection of photo's that you can ponder
over on a quiet night.The old saying that "you don't know what
got 'til it's gone" certainly rings true and makes one think of
our own mortality.Change is not always progress,but for the
greedy entrepreneur,that does'nt matter,he cares not a jot that
a lovely little cinema,a place of meeting and pleasure,it's sitting
on a goldmine for him, and his line of defence will be,think of
the jobs I've created. In England, we had a place of execution
called Tyburn, I wish it was still in use for some of the self serving people in this country.
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on May 21, 2013, 07:11 PM:
It certainly felt strange taking those final photos, it was the only city cinema that was still running with little damage after those earthquakes, the rest were closed for quite a while. The building did shake and bounce, but held up well. If you had seen me hanging for dear life onto the old Bauer projector one night as a magnitude 5-6 really shook the place...what a picture that would have been.
One of the best decisions I made over those 12 years was to give a young kid who had just turned 15 yrs at the time, the chance to do part time projection work. His enthusiasm for the job was really something. I left one night and told him not to start the evening private screeing without checking with the folk involed in it, to make sure the raffles and speeches are over first. Anyway I found out the next day, he had done just that, but while he was downstairs looking looking for the main organizer of this private, a lady came up to him and asked if he was "lost" and looking for his parents....much to her surprise, he told her he "WAS" the projectionist ...they thought it was great
I remember once we had 200 intermediate school children 11-12 age arrive to watch some nice safe "G" rated cartoon for the end of term break. I had the Bauer all threaded and ready to go, when the manager came through the projection room and said the kids dont seem very interested in the film the teachers had picked out.
So I thought mmmmm I had just finished putting together the first "Pirates of the Caribean" film due for its release the nest day, a wee voice in my head said "WHY NOT"...put that one on instead...so I unthreaded the projector and replaced that film with "Pirates" instead and away we went. Well it was a surprise for those kids and not what they expected thats for sure, but going by the reaction and clapping at the end of the movie it was certainly a big hit.
The down side of all this, was I was going to be in "BIG" trouble so tried to hide. The manager did come into the projection room and shouted GRAHAM...yes I said...she replied THEY ENJOYED THAT ONE...and left ...relief
Cinemas are places that are full of stories thats for sure.
Graham.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 21, 2013, 10:10 PM:
Sounds to me like you had your own 'Cinema Paradiso'. Well done Graham, I'm sure all those kids will have happy memories of your cinema that they will carry for the rest of their lives.
Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on May 22, 2013, 02:46 AM:
I thought of you Paul yesterday as I passed one of our remaining old cinema buildings which were built in the early part of the 20th century. In our area I’m pleased to say a good number of the original cinema structures still remain although they are either used as shops or boarded up. This particular one has been empty for a few years but I did some time ago make a film about the old cinemas that were in our town and got into the building which was being used as a furniture shop. It was really interesting to find the projection room, cinema managers office and even the proscenium were still there which rather floored me. The building is just about to be converted into units so it will be interesting to see if they make a feature of the old proscenium. Here then is the old Ritz Cinema building.
The first films shown in our town were in 1902 within the town hall and we got our first cinema built in 1910 with sound being installed in 1929 with a film called 'Donovan Affair' getting a screening. Locals used to give nick names to each of our cinemaslike Tuppeny rush, Laugh and scratch etc.
Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on May 22, 2013, 03:49 AM:
It looks as though it's had a bit of a face lift Lee,so someone wants
the building proper kept.It is all very sad really when these places
close.Wouldn't it be nice if the amateurs could run a few films in them every now and then,but the by laws,restrictions,fire inspections, health and safety wreck that dream.
Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on May 22, 2013, 04:43 AM:
Was even worse when it caught fire and amazing its still here. They dont build em like that anymore...
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 13, 2014, 04:07 PM:
Well its coming up to the three year mark and the new department store etc that now stands where the cinema once was is about to open. I called into the mall for the first time in a long while and one of the lady mall cleaners recognized me...so we had a wee chat, seemingly the kids no longer go there now...go elsewhere.
Pity... as it was the school holidays and sold out kids movies that brought in the families which in turn would often do a bit of shopping in that mall at the same time.
Its interesting that some of the kids that I once worked with at the cinema still miss the place, and its nice to still keep in touch with some of them.
For myself... I am enjoying the new challenge of driving a small school bus around town and building at present a better home for the BauerU4 projector and the five deck platter
Graham.
Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on September 13, 2014, 04:18 PM:
Nice to know all was not forgotten.
Posted by Derek Dorking (Member # 3916) on September 19, 2014, 01:41 PM:
I have just read through Graham's post and all I can do is agree with him. It's a terrible thing to leave a job and place you love. I did- November 2012- Made redundant after 33years in film and cinema due to DIGITAL. Here in the UK most projectionists lost their jobs due to this with all the cinema companies cutting well over 80% of the workforce and scrapping all the equipment. ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Digital is great for live broadcasts, theatre, screentalks but you can't beat the quality of film. When shown side by side, film always wins! You know, I filmed or took photos of every show I ever worked at (there was a few!) but once I knew my entire team along with myself were to be axed I just couldn't do it and just left on my last night. Never been in a cinema since. Oh, and I hear there are still green or black screens going on all over the company due to poor equipment. Pity. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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