8mm Forum: Oxford Town Hall Cinema

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Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on September 23, 2012, 04:49 AM:

Well folks it was quite a day, we paid a visit up country to a place called Oxford. The Ernemann2 that I run at home was one of the two original projectors that were bought second hand way back in 1931, the same year the hall was built. The pair of Ernemann2 projectors were used to run films every Saturday from 1931 until they were replaced in 1999.

Its been almost 10 years since we visited this small town and paid a visit the the local museum...and there it was, the other projector sitting in the corner. after a quick chat almost "two and a half hours worth" [Roll Eyes]

to the person looking after the place they were surprised at the story I was to tell them about the other machine, that is still running and is alive and well.
Here are some photos.

The Opening of the Oxford Town Hall June 3rd 1931, Both Ernemann2 projectors installed that year.

I took this photo today, the hall is closed of at the moment. Due to the recent earthquakes the hall, if it survives, will need a lot of money spent on it to bring it up to strength.

............1945..........

Taken in the museum...the other projector,

Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on September 25, 2012, 02:55 AM:

I enjoyed my time there learning the projectionist job.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 18, 2012, 02:56 AM:

I got phone call a few weeks ago from a retirement home in "Oxford" to inquire if they could come for a visit during a day outing to the city. I thought this would be a good chance to meet and chat to people who used to go to the movies at that hall.

Also, the thing I hoped to do was to run a film for them on the very same projector that was installed way back in 1931...The Ernemann2.

The 35mm film I ran for them on the day was a huge hit, I needed a film that would match the time. Here are a couple of screen shots on a test screeing just prior to their arrival.

The quality of "The Artist" was stunning, the big plus was getting the masking right, unlike when I watched it at the local multi-plex. For me its was a real treat to show them this particular film on the old Ernemann2, which ran like a swiss watch right through the entire feature.

Last night the old Ernie was again back in action doing its thing for another group, once again using the platter some 30 feet away, which worked a treat... here are some photos from its test screening of the film running in Scope.

The picture quality was stunning and the Digital soundtrack...great. my Panasonic VP and Blu-ray of those features look and sound poor against the film versions.

Anyone want to buy a video projector [Big Grin]

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on October 18, 2012, 07:05 AM:

Graham

Keep them pics coming. Work on that video!

PatD

Posted by Richard Bock (Member # 1926) on October 18, 2012, 09:25 AM:

Great story and wonderful pictures. Thank you.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 18, 2012, 01:59 PM:

Thanks Richard

Pat

Just finished another we video project thats been on the go for a while "years in fact" [Roll Eyes]

so the camcorder is on charge for the Ernie, hope to have something up on you-tube soon.

Graham. [Smile]

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