Page 627 - Reading Mercury

The auditorium seats are all set radially thus affording a perfect vision of the screen
from all positions and are served by gangways of generous proportions leading to
exits at the front and rear.
The interior scheme is in a light decorative trend and much use has been made of
Spray texture on which the varying tones of colour give a very pleasing effect, whilst
leading the vision to the main decorative feature on the anti-proscenium walls.
Excellent effect has been given by the two ornate grills set on either side of a large
vertical cove, draped with silk and satin materials and artistically lighted.
The main auditorium lighting is by means of chandeliers of exceptional beauty and
decorative dome lighting far in advance of the usual type of lighting schemes usually
associated with the modern cinema.
Altogether the new “Union Cinemas Ritz,” Wokingham regarded in detail or as a
homogeneous whole must take its place as an important, as well as an imposing
structure in the architecture of modern entertainment.
Latest Sound System
In the projection department many thousands of pounds have been spent on the
finest equipment obtainable. The famous B.T.H. Sound Reproducing apparatus has
been installed together with the latest high intensity arcs and powerful modern
projectors
It is incredible what an important part electricity plays in a modern super cinema,
and the new “Union Cinemas’ Ritz” is perfect in this respect.
Electricity is called upon to serve patrons from the moment it delivers tickets at the
paybox. It lights warms and ventilates the building; works the clocks; operates the
curtains; projects the films; reproduces the sound—and a hundred and one other
details.
“Manufactured Weather!”
The wonderful air conditioning plant which has been installed is another of the
most important features in the “Union Cinema Ritz”. It literally manufactures
weather conditions, for, by its means, the air is washed as it enters the building and
every patron is served with a specific quantity of purified air, warmed or cooled to
suit varying external conditions. When it is hot outside the building the patrons will
find it beautifully cool inside and on the other hand when it is freezing outside the
auditorium will be comfortable, warm and cosy.
It is gratifying to know that the new “Union Cinemas Ritz” has been built by local
labour and local materials have been used as far as ever possible
The finishing touches are now being put to the new Union Cinemas Ritz,
Wokingham, which will be opened to the public today (Saturday), at 2.30 pm and the
programme that has been arranged for the opening ceremony and for the next week
includes “Girls’ Dormitory,” starring Simone Simon. This film was especially
selected to introduce Simone Simon to the screen, and she is surrounded by an
impressive cast, which includes Herbert Marshall and Ruth Chatterton. “Girls
Dormitory” is supported by “Three Married Men,” a sparkling clever and true-to-life
domestic comedy. Monday brings, for three days, “This’ll Make You Whistle”. This
gay musical film has proved Jack Buchanan’s greatest laughter maker. As in the play,
Elsie Randolph plays opposite him, while Jean Gillie, who is gradually paving the
way to stardom, plays another important role. For the same three days is “Parole,”
gangster drama, which stars Henry Hunter, Ann Preston and Allan Dinehart.
On Thursday, for three days, Shirley Temple appears in “Dimples.” Replete with laughter,
romance and drama, “Dimples” tells the story of a lovable little street minstrel, and her
incorrigible but irresistibly funny guardian, Frank Morgan. This film is supported by “Star for
a Night,” which features Claire Trevor and Arline Judge.
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