The Bioscope (Jan-Mar 1913)

THE Broscore, JANUARY 16, 1913. 201 ~ PICTURES IN IRELAND. By “ PADDY.” One of the coziest little theatres in Dublin is the new Cinema de Luxe in Camden Street. A flight of steps leads up to the entrance, and instead of the usual couch for “waiters,” we have a row of tip-up seats. Quite a novel idea! Inside the hall is up to the best of expectations, the seating being of a roomy and comfortable disposition. The lighting is so comfortably arranged and subdued that a delightful radiance diffuses the theatre. Prices éd. and 3d. Although the theatre holds 400 it is taxed to its utmost capacity in the evenings. Mr. Elliman, the capable and experienced manager, sees that everything goes as it should. The directors of the Grafton Picture House. Dublin, are introducing a comparatively new idea in the Dublin Cinema world. That is, during the days they are showing ‘Les Misérables,” the prices have been increased from Is. to 2s. 6d. for the balcony, and from 6d. to Is. ordinary. Away in Newry, Mir. W. R. Davies, in that excellent show which he so capably manaves. is continuing to give the public the very best. of films, interspersed by variety ‘‘turns.” This giving of ‘‘turns,” in addition to the picture programme seems to have become a necessary item in Irish provincial picture shows. In Dublin it is not the rule. Mr. Jameson, in the Rotunda. gives a “turn” each week, but he is the outstanding exception. Some little time ago, the authorities in Ardee, co. Louth, were perplexed by the Town Clerk suddenly receiving a copy of by-laws in connection with the Cinematograph Act. To make a long story short, it was finally agreed upon that—especially in the case of touring shows—the Commissioners would have to be satisfied that the building was suitable before vranting a licence. The Town Clerk said the Police could not prevent a Company performing—but they could prosecute afterwards. And there the matter rests. The Cosmopolitan Company are releasing on the 12th inst. att Irish film, ‘“ Michael Dwyer.” This film is one taken by Irish l‘ilm Productions, Limited, who have offices in 42. Dame Street, Dublin. The photographic quality is, I believe, excellent, and the scenery unsurpassed. The film, of course, has the vreat merit of being taken on the actual Google “spot.” On January 23rd, Cosmopolitan are also releasing “Love in a Fix.” I am mentioning these films particularly because I think it ‘‘up to” exhibitors in Ireland to deal in ‘home produce” as it were. I would like to see every hall eventually screening these films. ‘Ride for a Bride” (comic), and “Punching Powder” (comic), will, I understand, be also released in the near future. It was with extreme gratification that his many friends learnt of Mr. Cathal MacGarvey’s appointment as manager of the luxurious picture theatre which has been now opened some weeks on Ellis’ Quay, Dublin. Mr. MacGarvey has firmly established himself as a popular and original humourist with the Dublin public, and his annual concert of “All the Stars” is a feature in the Dublin cct cert world. It seems likely that he will make a big success of the splendid hall over which he presides, and he is certainly going the right way about it—a good programme and a clear picture. Here's the best of luck! It was a kind thought which prompted Mr. Poulter, proprietor, and Mr. Nowne, manager of the Camden Picture House, Dublin, t.. give the proceeds of an entire day to the Mansion House Coal Fund. Their generosity has been the means of swelling that fund by some £10 10s. od., and I feel quite certain that their action has met with distinct approval. The Galway Cinema is steadily marching onwards. Each fleeting week sees its establishment one niche higher in public esteem. The hall, which holds 1,000 clear, is run on the ‘one show per night” principle. Mr. Bradlaw is the managing director. The idea of giving bioscope entertainments in private houses in aid of some charity or other is gradually gaining ground in Ireland. And let me say that the idea is an intensely practical one, and merits the distinction of originality. The latest convert has been Mrs. Pepper, who turned the dining room of her pretty residence, Belvidere, Bray. into an impromptu picture theatre. The views illustrated Mrs. Pepper’s travels in the South of Europe, and the characteristics of the different places were described by her. The visitors were all hugely pleased and the entertainment was a success both financially and otherwise.