The Ritz Opening 1936

Council Chairman Approves New Cinema Enterprise

IMPORTANCE OF COLLEGE ST.

Almost like a London “premier”, with crowds outside watching the arrival, Saturday’s opening of Rushden’s new picture house, the Ritz, was enjoyed by a full-capacity audience of 1,200. Over four hundred guests of the management filled the balcony and seats were reserved for the councillors of Rushden and Higham Ferrers. 

Mr. J. T. Richardson, J.P., Chairman of Rushden Urban District Council, declared the building open and with him on stage were Mr. George Brown (chairman of the Palace Company), Mr. W. E. Capon (vice-chairman of the Council), Ald. C. W. Horrell, J.P., Mr. F. J. Sharwood, C.C., Mr. W. J. Beetenson (Clerk to the Council), Mr. W. F. J. Hewitt, Mr. P. J. J. Panter (architect), Mr. Ken Brown, Mr. Harry Brown and Mr. Wilfred Hewitt (manager). 

Mr. George Brown spoke of Mr. W. F. J. Hewitt’s early days in Rushden and recalled his association, some 30 years ago, with Walturdaw, the pioneer film company. Mr. Hewitt had been associated with the picture and theatrical world ever since that time.

RAPID STRIDES

Mr. Hewitt, in a brief speech, observed that Rushden had made some rapid strides. They opened the old “Palace” some 28 years ago and at that time it answered the purpose; but they had been of opinion for many years that it was hardly the building that Rushden was entitled to and the result was the building of the Ritz.

Acknowledging the work of Mr. Panter, the contractors and the craftsmen, Mr. Hewitt said they had achieved a very fine result. The building was one that would bear comparison with almost any in the country. It was as far as possible entirely fireproof; the acoustics, he thought they would agree, were very good and the ventilation also was good – they could clear the air from the building twelve times an hour.

Mr. Hewitt also explained the features of the Western Electric wide-range sound equipment.

Mr. Richardson opened with an amusing reference to popular speculation as to how he would “fit in” on such an occasion and declared that he was pleased to attend, not only for his own part, but because of the position he held in the town.

They were citizens who desired the best for the town and he believed the Palace Company was striving to unite with them in bringing the facilities that were provided in “this wonderful building.”

BLACK-EYED SUSAN

“I cannot help thinking,” said Mr. Richardson, “of the early days of my life in Rushden, when we used to queue up in Coffee Tavern Lane and wait a long time for Mr. Hewitt to produce for us ‘Black-eyed Susan.’ We used to be delighted in those days in listening to his voice and seeing the art that he displayed before the public of Rushden. But times have changed and different methods are employed.”

Mr. Richardson described the building as “an adornment to the town,” approved its position in College Street and expressed interest in the stage provisions and confidence in the company. He commended the cinema, not only as a place of entertainment and rest, but as one of the finest methods of educating the people that had yet been discovered. “We get relief from strain and stress and worry when we come into a place like this,” he said.

There was great amusement when Mr. Richardson confessed that as a member of the Rating Committee he had been wondering what benefit was coming to the town from the building and added; “I don’t mind telling you that it will be considerable.”

The chairman “heartily” declared the cinema open to the public.

HOME ENTERPRISE

A vote of thanks to Mr. Richardson was proposed by Ald. Horrell, who joined with him in congratulating the directors on their enterprise in building a magnificent hall. All appreciated the fact that the Palace Company were the pioneers in introducing films into Rushden and that they had not left the development to outside corporations.

Mr. Sharwood, seconding, congratulated Mr. Richardson on his work as Council Chairman. The building, he added, was an asset of which the town would be proud. When the new bank and post office were built, he said, College Street would become an important centre in the town and architecturally beautiful.

A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mr. Capon and seconded by Mr. Panter.

A few minutes later the show was in progress. The audience applauded the lighting effects on the screen curtains and then settled down to enjoy “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” a drama in natural colours and a full supporting programme of news, magazine and cartoon reels.