Today we went to the Rex at Elland, another Northern Morris independent Cinema. (this is the one that Womble on Tour was enthusing about recently in comments). The film was “Horton hears a Who”, another Doctor Zeuss spin-off.
It was opened in 1912 but became a Bingo hall for two extended periods through the 60s, 70s and 80s. It re-opened twenty years ago and is still going. It features an organ, with a second (slightly damaged) one next to it and a third in the corridor, along with a Leslie speaker.
This cinema features an interval, the revenue from confectionery being just as vital as ticket sales.
Thanks for this jog down memory lane. It’s well over ten years since we’ve been.
The Rex is a truly fantastic place. Very friendly and welcoming - you almost got the impression that they guys running it wanted to shake your hand as you went in.
The intermission ALWAYS seemed to happen at the most crucial point in the film and the Saturday organist was a treat.
I must persude Mrs Womble On Tour that we should go again.
Comment by Womble On Tour — March 26, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
In theory, the intermission could be anywhere to suit but in practice it is generally at the end of a reel, each of which is roughly 20 minutes in length.
The labs make up the film so that end of reels are on a scene transition and any changeover (or film join) is less obtrusive.
I can remember going to see Titanic though and the Intermission was right in the middle of the scene where Jack was handcuffed to the pipe and going underwater, a rather tense moment for a trip to the Usherette.
Comment by Shades — March 26, 2008 @ 7:11 pm