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This topic comprises 3 pages: 1 2 3
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Topic: The Regal Cranleigh (UK) closes.
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Pete Naples
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1565
From: Dunfermline, Scotland
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-15-2002 02:54 PM
Bernard, sorry to hear that you have closed. It's always sad, but life and time moves on.I moved back to my home town last year, and every time I walk into the town centre I pass the cinema where it all began for me. It's been closed for about two years, and the frontage is now boarded up and covered in grafiti., which is very sad end to a very old and conce grand cinema. (Believed to the oldest purpose built Cinematograph in Scotland). I spent may happy hours there, both as a child, and later in life as a projecionist. Inside are two GK21's, two GK19's and a Model 'A' Westar, which seem to have been left to rot with the rest of the place, take some joy in that thought that your theatre lives on, or at least some of it's equipment does. Also you'll have more time to relax, travel and post here.
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Pete Naples
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1565
From: Dunfermline, Scotland
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-16-2002 06:02 AM
Leo, no it's the former Robins in East Port, Dunfermline, formerly the Caledonian Associated Cinemas Orient Express (after tripling), formerly the CAC Regal (single), and anything before that is well before my time! It was built as a cinema before WW1, I can't remember the exact date offhand. Next time I'm in the libray I'll look it up. There's a great cinema section in the local history department. The East Port cinema is the last remaining one in Dunfermline, it's a real headache for the council it being closed, as they can't grant change of use due to the buildings listed status. Various companies have wanted to turn in into all kinds of things, mainly pubs and clubs, but there's the listing issue, plus we already have ample drinking establishments, and the local police would not give support to a drinks licence, on the grounds that they already have more than enough to do of a Saturday night! So for now the building stands boarded up. At least it hasn't been broken into or set on fire. Yet. That fate befell the High Street Regal (Another former CAC), in the '70's. Littlewoods wanted the site, but couldn't get planning permission as there was an unsed, but listed cinema there. The Regal was a real old school '30's palace of a place, marble stairs, chandeliers, restaurant etc. Mysteriously one night it caught fire and was razed to the ground. Took most of Fife Fire Brigade several days to bring it under control, and could be seen for miles. The fire also destroyed several surrounding buildings. So Littlewoods got their site, and several surround one too. I'm not saying that the fire was deliberately started, but it's rather convenient.... A bit like the former CAC in Paisley that went the same way.The Campbelltown Picture house seems to have an on/off relationship with being open! It's one of the few indies up here that I don't look after.
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 03-16-2002 06:45 AM
Gordon, I certainly will be sending some pictures in once I have left the empty shell in just over a weeks time. But for now is a picture of the old Central cinema which was only demolished just over two years ago, you will notice the projection portholes never to see film through them again 67 years ago. And a picture of the Regal.BTW we managed to keep the closing a secret with only the staff knowing. Posters as normal everywhere and a full reel of Trailers. Our copy of "Gosford Park" is now showing at the Odeon in Canterbury. Andy and Pete, thank you. Film-Tech will help me to keep in touch with an industry that has given me 50 rewarding years. Brad might even put a new picture of me on the left.  Leo, BTW The Plaza in Oxted was taken over by Mainline Pictures.  
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Sandie Caffelle
Film Handler
Posts: 24
From: Herefordshire, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-18-2002 10:52 AM
BernardAnother day, another death ..... I'll (sadly) close the Regal's file Take care
Sandie
Jack Roe (CS) Ltd
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Bernard Tonks
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 619
From: Cranleigh, Surrey, England
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 03-19-2002 07:39 AM
Hi Sandie,Hang onto that Regal file for a bit, the cheque (completion) wont be cleared until 1600 hrs. If that fails, we re-open Friday week.
I WISH ! Not really, it is time to go – we’ve seen the best of it and, with renters terms & practices, it’s just getting impossible for an independent operator to carry on. When the Rex Haslemere closed, there were complications & two weeks later the cinema re-opened (I was also offered a lease). It lasted for another year! The Rex would have still been here today had it been turned into 3-4 screens. Sandie, I thought that you’d like to know that I have donated the category boards, lettering and boxes etc. from Jack Roe to the National Museum of Cinema Technology, the Projected Picture Trust’s new cinema and museum at Bletchley Park. I am aware that I went a bit over the top on the Topic heading, but it was a reflection of how I felt at the time I closed the cinema, completely gutted.
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Sandie Caffelle
Film Handler
Posts: 24
From: Herefordshire, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-19-2002 08:19 AM
BernardI know what it is like to be in a cinema that is breathing its last few breaths. I visited the Drake (Odeon) in Plymouth the week it shut. The chief (Rob Wilson) had helped install the kit (in the 70's I think) and was there to take it all out. Horrible.
I'm glad that the PPT is going to get some of your stuff though. I must get down to Bletchley Park sometime. Maybe I might just arrange something with Stephen when I see him at Amsterdam EXPO.
Until next time ...... Sandie
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Sandie Caffelle
Film Handler
Posts: 24
From: Herefordshire, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 03-19-2002 08:52 AM
LeoYou're right about the Warners in Plymouth, I think it was the final nail in the coffin for the Drake. To be fair, the Drake had no parking and was difficult to get to on foot. It was a beautiful cinema though, with all the original fittings. However, the Plymouth ABC was always fighting with the Drake anyhow. They were almost back to back. We sent out some stuff to the Plymouth Arts Centre just before Christmas, so I guess they're still going - I've not had any news to the contrary. Sandie
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). I won't shed any tears for the presentation there (not so much film done wrong - film done to death, more like), but surely there has to be more to cinema than huge breeze block and corrugated aluminium boxes with hundreds of identical auditoria?
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