The Bioscope (July-Aug 1914)

THE BIOSCOPE, Jury 16, 1914. 271 A Midland Cinema Proprietor. INTERVIEW WITH MR. W. H. RAVENSCROFT. When approached by the Editor of THE Broscope for some details of his cinematograph enterprises in Sheffield, Mr. W. H. Ravenscroft, the managing director of the Sheffield and District Cinematograph Theatres, Limited, expressed his readiness to supply any information in a personal interview, and in response to his cordial invitation I had the pleasure of spending a pleasant afternoon with him last week. Mr. Ravenscroft, as director and manager of the well-known brewery of Tennant Brothers, Limited, and also of Wiley and Co., Limited, wine merchants, may —on Mr. Ravenscroft’s authority—a new bylaw is in consideration, prohibiting the erection of any block of buildings which has not a picture theatre at each end. Cinema House is a_ beautifully designed theatre, which comfortably seats a thousand, furnished and decorated with a restful elegance which evinces the taste of an artist. The programme consists entirely of first release subjects, and the pick of the highest class of exclusives, each picture being inspected by Mr Ravenscroft in a private theatre adjoining his office, show copies being sent from London in the afternoon, viewed well be supposed to have more to occupy his time than falls to the lot of most men at his comparatively early age. But every man with youth and superabundant energy requires some relaxation from the routine of ordinary business, and Mr. Ravenscroft felt the need of some hobby to occupy the spare time which only a really busy man has at his disposal. He early came to the conclusion that golf and billiards, in both of which he attained proficiency, required more devotion than he cared to bestow, and cultivated an interest in pictures as an amusement which has resulted in the foundation of this flourishing concern, of which he is the head. The company’s first enterprise was the [lectra Palace, in Fitzalan Square, the success of which justified the erection of the magnificent building opposite the Town Hall in Fargate, known as Cinema House. A minute inspection of each building, under Mr. Ravenscroft’s personal guidance, was sufficient to explain the very gratifying results achieved by the directors, in spite of tremendous competition, for Sheffield is so well supplied with picture theatres and so many new ones are contemplated, that I believe Digitized by Go gle and returned in time for business next morning. In each theatre the orchestra is a special feature, and the projectors being Gaumont’s latest models, nothin is wanting to do full justice to the subjects selected. The theatres are ventilated by Hayden’s patent ventilating system, with such results that during the recent spell of hot weather the temperature outside registered 20 degrees above that in the auditorium. Although Mr. Ravenscroft relies mainly on a thoroughly firstrate programme for the attraction of his visitors, it is by no means the only feature of the luxurious houses, for the tea lounges have been made special features, which have caused the two picture houses to be regarded as the fashionable rendesvous in the afternoon. A competent chef has been engaged, and in the kitchens at the top of the building, pastry, sweets and light refreshments are prepared, which supply half the afternoon tea tables in Sheffield. The careful attention that is paid to every detail is evident in the dainty glass and china which is specially designed for and registered by the Company. The basement of the Electra Palace has been Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY