jg_31_230.jpg

QUEENS ROAD AND REGENT CINEMA

This is the view of the original stage and orchestra pit, from the cinema balcony. For the first few years from 1921, the Regent showed only silent films accompanied by an orchestra of up to 20 musicians. On the right was the electric organ, something of a novelty in those days. In late January 1929, the stage and proscenium were badly damaged by fire and the cinema was closed for several months. Meantime talking pictures had arrived, so in the reconstruction the orchestra stage was removed, the cinema wired for sound, and in July 1929, the Cinema reopened with the first talking picture ever screened in Brighton – Al Jolson in “ The Singing Fool”.

Image Reference: JG_31_230.tif
Date: 1920s
Image Details: Original monochrome print
Size of Original: 131x96
Place: Brighton
Additional Information: No comment

The digitisation of this Volume was sponsored by Frances and Martin Lindsay-Hills
This image is copyright and is made available for personal study only. Commercial reproduction in any media is prohibited without written authorisation.
High resolution images for commercial use are available. Please contact The Regency Society