The Ritz Cinema (Sowerby)

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  tillmechanic (guest)

  The cinema was originally built as a Mechanic’s Institute in the middle of the 19th Century; a place of learning for working people of the area and had a library and lecture facilities where people of different trades learnt from each other. This national network gradually disappeared towards the end of the century and in 1912 Walter Power opened ‘The Picture house’ to show the latest silent movies; locally known as ‘Powers’. He was a popular personality and showman extraordinaire; he would often accompany the mood of the films himself on the piano. The original silent movie screen with the T.P.H. crest above it still exists behind our present screen. The ‘talkies’ arrived in 1927 and the cinema capacity was increased to accommodate the ensuing larger audiences by fitting a balcony area. The name was also changed to ‘The Ritz’.

  16 years ago | reply | hide comment