Knighton Cinema
In this article you will notice that Cinema has sometimes been written Kinema. Kinema is an archaic form of the word cinema. Although archaic there are still cinemas that go by that name. The Kinema In The Woods in Lincolnshire and Carlton Kinema, Leicester to name just two. I could have changed the spelling to Cinema but decided to leave them as they were written at the time.
The earliest mention that I can source of a cinema at Knighton is in 1913.
The Bioscope - 31st July 1913
Mr. Gavazzi King, who is taking a course of treatment at Llandrindod Wells, does not appear to be able to leave cinematography alone for very long. He tells us that on Monday last a new theatre opened at Builth, some distance from Llandrindod. The theatre is the second which Mr. Hands, late of South Shields, has opened in Wales. Compelled by health to remove to Wales, Mr. Hands started a cinema a Llandrindod, and in addition to the Builth theatre is opening another at Knighton.
They probably screened earlier films but these would have been of the magic lantern type, slides rather than motion pictures. Where this cinema was isn't mentioned, the Assembly Rooms being used as a cinema didn't come in till later.
Brecon County Times - 4th November 1915
AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT. - The managers of the cinema at Knighton, Presteigne, Kington, Talgarth, and Hay, hope to make £100 for the Red Cross funds by their respective benefit performances.
Kinematograph Weekly - 11th December 1919
PRICE £400, Kinema, Knighton, Radnorshire; 2,000 population, with lease rent, £65 clear; Crossley 12 h.p. engine, dynamo 100 amp., two meters, shunt; Pathe No. 2 machine, piano, etc.; up-to-date hall; main position. - Apply, Temple..
Kinematograph Weekly - 13th May 1920
NEW KINEMAS
Radnor - County surveyor recommends Knighton (Assembly Rooms) subject to certain provisions being carried out.
Kinematograph Weekly - 25th March 1920
COMEDIES, FEATURES for hire. All splendid stuff. Hire at lowest rates with CARRIAGE PAID BOTH WAYS. - Write to, PICTURES, KNIGHTON, RADNORSHIRE.
Kington Times - 7th August 1920
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
Henry James Bray, proprietor of the Knighton cinema license in respect of the Jubilee Hall, Leintwardine. He stated that he proposed to show on Tuesdays only from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Bench decided to grant the license to begin that day fortnight.
In 1928 the cinema in Knighton was known as the "Electric Picture House", Captain Henry James Bray D.S.C., was the proprietor, he only screened films on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, at prices of 6d to 1/3d.
Kington Times - 22nd January 1927
CINEMAS IN RADNORSHIRE.
Serious Danger To The Public.
Alderman J. W. Stephens presided at a meeting of the General Purpose Committee of the Radnorshire County Council on Friday, when an important report was received from the Chief Constable regarding the cinemas in the county, most of which he considered presented very serious danger to the public in case of fire and panic. He felt it to be his duty to bring this matter before the Committee in the interests of public safety, and he advised somewhat drastic improvements in several instances. The complaints were largely concerned with exits, staircases and balconies.
The Chairman said that the licences had been issued on reports received from the County Surveyor, and never without his recommendation.
The Architect said he fully agreed with the Chief Constable. It was time that these places of amusement complied with the regulations in force.
The Clerk said that public safeguard was provided by Act of Parliament.
Colonel Venables-Llewellyn observed that the licences expired at different periods, and he thought that the proprietors of these establishments should have as long notice as possible of what was required. He thought the best course was for the Chief Constable and the county Architect to visit these places together, and advise the proprietors of the defects and what was required if the licences were to be renewed. He moved this.
Mr. W. A. Sims seconded, and this was agreed to.
To the Radnorshire Standing Joint Committee on the same day the Chief Constable reported that he had visited the cinemas at Llandrindod Wells, Presteigne, Knighton, and Rhayader, and in his opinion the arrangements for the safety of the public were not adequate. Should a fire and panic occur, he feared disastrous results. He had been in communication with the County Surveyor on the matter.
In the early 1930's James & Maud Brown (nee Roberts) and their two son's James Ross and William Herbert moved into No. 16 Mill Green. James Snr. was a retired Inn Keeper, prior to this he had been a motor mechanic. This house had belonged to William and Annie Meyrick. The Meyrick's purchased a house at No. 4 Victoria Road.
It was reported in the Kinematograph Weekly that during the week of 21st March 1929 the Knighton Electric Picture House Changed hands, Mr Desmond J. Madigan of Hay took over. He twinned the cinema with the Plaza at Hay and renamed it the “Picture House”. At this time the cinema held 220. Mr. Madigan also ran the cinema in the Assembly Rooms in Presteigne.
Although, the Assembly Rooms were known as the cinema, it also had a stage which sat immediately before the viewing screen, this was used to stage plays and musical entertainments.
Kington Times - 25th April 1931
At the Picture House, Knighton, on Thursday evening of last week, a variety entertainment was given in aid of the expenses connected with the Teme Valley Hunt Kennels. The entertainment was well attended, and Mr. S. P. Dent, Newton Court, Weobley, Master of the Teme Valley Hounds, and Miss Dent were present. Mr. Rutter's (Weobley) party gave a comedy entitled "The Dear Departed" (by Stanley Houghton) and a humorous farce by T. J. Williams entitled "My Turn Next". The characters in the comedy were taken by Mr. W. E. Lucas, Miss Queenie Griffith, Miss Grace Yapp, Mr. L. F. Watkins, Miss Nora Jones, Mr. W. E. O. Rutter. The characters in "My Turn Next" were taken by Mr. D. G. Griffith, Mr. L. F. Watkins, Mr. E. W. Lucas, Mr. W. E. O. Rutter, Miss Gardener Tait, Miss Queenie Griffith and Miss Nora Jones. Miss Simey sang with much expression "Sing Joyous Bird", "Twickenham Ferry" and "Tommy Lad" and Mr. Rhys Harding gave humorous recitations and songs. An orchestra was in attendance and gave enjoyable selections, all the musical items accompanied by Mr. Rhys Harding.
Kinematograph Weekly - 16th March 1933
WELSH CENSORSHIP
TOWN COMMITTEE TO BE REFORMED
The Radnorshire County Council has appointed a film censorship committee for the Llandrindod Wells area. The Council also proposes to establish similar committees to act in the Presteign, Rhayader and Knighton districts, but these proposals have been subject to representations by the Kinema Trade as to hampering restrictions and delays making formalities. The Council, therefore, has agreed to receive at its next meeting a deputation from the kinema interests, who will state the Trade's views on these proposed censorship committee.
Kinematograph Weekly - 26th July 1934
RADNOR CENSORSHIP
"A" FILM REGULATION RESTORED
In a report to the Radnorshire General Purpose Committee on film exhibition in the county, the Chief Constable states that out of a total of 101 films examined in connection with four Kinemas, 97 had been passed, three modified, and one condemned. Five posters out of 126 called for modification; and of 559 synopses examined, only two were condemned, two modified, and the remainder were passed as they stood.
The Censorship Committee of the county at Llandrindod Wells, Rhayader, Presteign and Knighton were unanimously of opinion that the following condition, which had been deleted from the model by-laws drafted for kinemas in the county by the County Council in May, 1933, should now be restored as a condition of license issue:-
"That no film other than photographs of current events, which has not been passed for universal exhibition by the British Board of Film Censor shall be exhibited in the premises without the express consent of the Council during the time that any child under, or appearing to be under, the age of sixteen is therein, unless accompanied by a parent or bona-fide adult guardian."
He suggested the committee should adopt that recommendation.
It was decided to make this the regulation for the area kinemas.
Kinematograph Weekly - 19th September 1935
CIRCUITS BIG PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
FOR "THE MAN WHO RECLAIMED HIS HEAD"
DISMOND J. MADIGAN, general manager of the Plaza Cinema circuit, controlling the Plazas at Hay, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Presteign and Rhayader, reports the big success of a joint publicity campaign boosting the screening of "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head" (Universal) at these halls.
A week prior to the playdates, announcements were made over microphones at each Kinema and throwaways worded in teaser fashion were distributed through the district. The normal advertising was supplemented by special programme boosts and the booking of big space in the Daily Events a card, a local feature detailing forthcoming events, which circulates to every house in the district.
On the first day of showing, newsboys distributed specially worded newspapers. The next day an attendant dressed as "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head," paraded the streets with sandwich boards.
Coinciding with the screening at Llandrindod Wells was the local carnival, and Desmond J. Madigan grasped this opportunity of gaining further publicity. The Plaza public address van, suitably decorated with posters and other display material, was placed at the disposal of the carnival organisers. It played a prominent part in processions, and at intervals broadcasts were made announcing the film and its screening.
At the head of the procession and leading the band was the figure of "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head"
The Plaza cinema at Llandrindod Wells had previously been known as the Kino. In 1917 it had been owned and Mr. G. M. Hands but was run by his wife, Mr. Hands had extensive kinema interests in Crew.
In 1936 A special meeting of Knighton Chamber of Trade was held at the Norton Arms Hotel. Mr. A. T. Hamar gave a report on the Committee's interview with Mr. Morris, of Leintwardine, on the proposed extension of the Saturday evening bus service.
Mr. E. V. Thomas suggested that the whole bus service to Knighton on Saturday needed revision. It was agreed to ask Mr. Morris to run a bus into Knighton at 6.30 p.m. and commence the return journey at 9.50 p.m. the members agreed to give moral support to the service.
The Chairman. Mr. A. T. Hamar and Mr. R. Heywood were asked to interview Mr. Madigan and request him to run the Saturday night pictures in this interval.
Kington Times - 8th January 1938
Presteigne
The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Madigan giving a week's notice of his intention to terminate the engagement of the Assembly Rooms for cinema entertainments, and the Chairman said that two other parties had offered to engage the Hall for similar purposes for two nights a week, and it was agreed that the Hall be let to them for this purpose.
By 1939 Desmond Madigan had moved on, he was now manager of the Embassy cinema in Bridgend.
On the 1939 register, 27 year old James Ross Brown of 16 Mill Green, the son of a retired Inn Keeper, owned the cinema, Changing its name from “Picture House” to “Cinema”, the seating was reduced to 200. His brother William Herbert managed the cinema. William was aged (according to the register) 23. In reality they were 23 and 21 respectfully. They probably wouldn't have been granted a license had they given their true ages, as being deemed to young.
Kinematograph Weekly - 13th March 1941
WANTED. - pair Imperial or Morrison mechanically driven Sound Heads, pair 4½ - in. Lenses. ⅛ -h.p. 230-volt series-wound Motor. - J. Brown, 16, Mill Green, Knighton, Rads.
Kington Times - 10th January 1942
CHILDREN'S TREAT
Picture shows for the children of Knighton, including the evacuees, were given in the local cinema last week. Special films were shown. The arrangements were made by the Entertainment Committee of the Knighton Service Welfare Association at the request of the Urban Council, and the parties of children were in the charge of their teachers, with other helpers.
Kington Times - 19th December 1942
John Samuel Ruell, junior, Arkhill, Presteign, was charged with using petrol for an unauthorised purpose at Knighton on October 3rd. Defendant did not appear, but was represented by his father, who pleaded guilty on his behalf. The evidence showed that defendant unknown to his father used the car to drive three soldiers (who had been helping with the corn harvest, which was finished that evening). to the cinema at Knighton. Defendant was fined 10s.
Kington Times - 20th March 1943
INSULTING BEHAVIOUR CHARGES
Ernest R Mardock, Paytoe, Leintwardine, was charged with using abusive words and insulting behaviour outside the Cinema, Broad Street, Knighton, on February 13th and pleaded "Not guilty".
Defendant was bound over in the sum of £5 to be on good behaviour for six months.
Kinematograph Weekly - 16th September 1943
OPERATOR required for the "cinema." Knighton, Radnor. Must be exempt military service.
Kington Times - 4th March 1944
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. - Mr E. R. Nocholls (Llandewy), chairman, presided at the bi-monthly meeting of the Knighton sub-committee for public assistance, held on February 24th. Mr. Dodd (Master of the Knighton Institution) mentioned that Messrs. Brown, cinema proprietors, Knighton, had given 24 seats at a show at their cinema for the inmates. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks.
Kington Times - 11th March 1944
N.S.P.C.C. - Through the kindness of Messrs Brown Bros., lessees of the Knighton Cinema, in showing a film and allowing the local committee to take a collection after their shows on the first three nights of last week, £5 7s. 3d. has been remitted to the above society.
In 1945 the Norton Arms Hotel along with its Assembly Room was put up for sale.
Birmingham Daily Post - 26th May 1945
KNIGHTON, Radnorshire. On the most direct route between the Midlands and North to Central and South Wales. The freehold, Free and Fully-Licensed Old-established House, THE NORTON ARMS HOTEL, together with the adjoining ASSEMBLY ROOM CINEMA, to seat 215, with Balcony and requisite Offices. Soundly constructed of stone with a portion of the imposing elevation in timbered black and white, the Hotel and Premises have an extensive and valuable frontage in the town's busy shopping centre. Well equipped Hotel Accommodation generally well appointed. Main Electricity, Gas, Water and Drainage. POSSESSION of the HOTEL at September 29, 1945. To be sold by JACKSON & McCARTNEY.
Kington Times - 8th September 1945
VICTORY TEAS.
Further Victory teas were given last week. On Tuesday the children of Frydd Terrace, Frydd Road and Ludlow Road were entertained and each child received 1s. 3d. Mr. E. J. Outrim distributed a pocketful of 3d. bits. The day concluded with sports in the Frydd field. On Wednesday 70 children from West Street, Church Street, Victoria Road, Wylcwm Street and Garth were given tea. After tea Mr. and Mrs. Lane took the children to the cinema. The support for this effort was sufficient to provide the children with a subsequent outing to Llandrindod Wells.
Kington Times - 30th March 1946
KNIGHTON - Cinema Organist.
Mr. H. Abley, of Knighton, has taken up an appointment as solo organist at the Savoy Cinema, Enfield, London.
The last film to be shown in the Assembly Rooms was reported to be Roy Rogers' "Heldorado". This film was released in 1946.
In the late 1940's a purpose built cinema was erected behind the Norton Arms Hotel.
Acknowledgement goes to Keith Owen for his kind permission to use this image.
Kinematograph Weekly - 10th May 1956
WANTED. - ONE PAIR OF H.I. ARCS. - State price, make, condition, Cinema, Knighton, Radnor.
Kinematograph Weekly - 16th August 1956
WANTED. 144 solid brass ash trays. - Cinema, Knighton, Radnor.
Kinematograph Weekly - 4th June 1959
WANTED. 48 Lazarus "Pullman" tip-up chairs. - Cinema, Knighton, Radnor.
Kinematograph Weekly - 11th August 1960
WANTED. - 24 TWIN SEATS including nine right Ends, nine left Ends. Must be modern design. - Cinema, Knighton, Radnor.
In the 1960’s Mr William Herbert Brown was the proprietor and was showing one show per day with one change per week. All seats were 3/–. There was a 29 foot wide screen.
In 1962 the father of James and William Brown passed away, his death was registered in Knighton, their mother Maud passed away in 1970, her death was registered in Poole, Dorset, they were buried in Knighton's old cemetery.
James Brown Snr. or to give him his full name, James Aitchison Brown, died on 12th October 1962 in a Motor Car, No. LAW 785 outside the Central Wales Hotel, Knighton, of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. The number plate tells that the car was registered in Shropshire in 1954. James was the son of Robert Ainslie Brown, Solicitor for the Supreme Courts, Edinburgh. James was born in Edinburgh in 1879.
(as an aside, James Aitcheson Brown 's youngest brother Alexander Ainslie Brown married Cecilia May Mackie in St. Andrew's Church, Jerilderie, N.S.W in 1922. Nothing special in that, except, Cecilia's father, James Thomson Mackie, was working in the bank in Jerilderie in 1879 when it was held up by non-other than Ned Kelly and his gang, James was taken hostage. On his release he rounded up the horses of both the Bank Manager and the Teller, preparatory to them riding to Deniliquin and raise the alarm. James Thomson Mackie is a local hero.)
A request for the whereabouts of James Aitchison Brown appeared in the paper in 1926
West Sussex Gazette - 14th October 1926
MISSING HEIRS. Many important inquiries — have recently been made in the "Agony" column of the Press for missing next-of-kin, legatees and others. These advertisements, which are published by solicitors, are frequently of a romantic nature, apart from their monetary value. Among the persons sought for their benefit …… James Aitchison Brown, of Edinburgh, last heard of in North Wales in 1913.
With the advent of television sets in the home cinema attendance started to wane. Knighton cinema became the venue for local dances.
After the cinema closed Maldwyn Albert Keith Reynolds of 12 George Close opened "Save-Well Discount" store in the old cinema, this went out of business on 14th May 1976.
In the late 70's early 80's Harry Tuffins had their supermarket there, prior to moving to Whitehall.
For a time the old cinema became a second hand furniture store.
James Ross Brown passed away, aged 75 years, on Tuesday, 26th May 1992, at 840, Ringwood Road, West Howe, Bournemouth, he is buried with his parents in the old. cemetery, Knighton. James's death certificate gives a birth of 6th November 1916, he was actually born on that day and month but in 1915. He was born in Holles street Maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland, therefore, would have been 76 years at death.
William Herbert Brown passed away on Saturday, February 25th, 2012, aged 93 he was buried in Presteigne Road Cemetery, Knighton. William had been born in Llay, Denbighshire on 19th September 1918.
In 1911 a film was made of Rhayader Dams, Llandrindod Spa's and Knighton Fate (carnival), this film would have been made on nitro-cellulose film which is highly combustible and degrades at a rapid rate, the likelihood of this film surviving are less than 1%.
Kinematograph Weekly - 12th October 1911
KINETO, LTD. 80-82, WARDOUR STREET, W1
SPAS OF CENTRAL WALES.—(Released NOV. 2, length 405 ft.) —A wonderful amount of interest and variety has been compressed into this subject, which presents Welsh scenery and Welsh local customs vividly and faithfully. We visit Llandrindod Wells, where the pump room is thronged with visitors taking the waters. A sheep-dog competition is interesting. Well-trained dogs direct flocks of "silly sheep" with unerring skill. Unique views are given of the great dam of the reservoir that supplies the Midland metropolis. Knighton Fete is an interesting local celebration. Headed by a band is a procession of decorated vehicles, and a touch of comedy is provided by a donkey that refuses to move and holds up the festivities. There are various races in connection with the fete, and a remarkable item is a performance on a ladder by two acrobats, who accomplish most extraordinary feats.
The old cinema in later years, again acknowledgement goes to Keith Owen for his kind permission to use this image.
