"For a time the managements of the Victoria and Hongkong Theatres were fierce competitors. The latter house was located on the site of the theatre now known as the "Queen's": It played for many years to appreciative audiences alongside our old Supreme Court, which together with the old Post Office is where China Building stands to-day.
"Where the World Theatre now is, stood a shack used by the Exports and Imports Department.
"Turning to Kowloon, the first kinema performances were given on the waste ground where now stands the European Y.M.C.A. It was called "The Palisades". True to its name, it was simply an open-air kinema, surrounded by a high, wooden fence. An Australian named Daniels was its proprietor.
"Where the Duro Garage is, was built Kowloon's first kinema under a roof. Mr. H.W. Ray erected this theatre, and he it was who also introduced public dancing on the Peninsula, his patrons in summer gyrating around a huge block of ice placed in the centre of the floor.
"Later on, Mr. Ray took over the Star Theatre, which by the way, was built with the material salvaged from the old Victoria Theatre, Hongkong."
1936
Since then we have had the advent of the "talkies" which within four years have taken the public interest entirely by storm, so the top popular pictures enable the theatres to put up a "house full" sign at four shows a day for three even four days in succession.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.
"Extract from the S.C.M. Post of April 29, 19091- American plan of giving continuous performances has been adopted by the Star Cinematograph in Wyndham Street. This evening at 6 p.m., the films will commence and it will be possible at any convenient hour after that for patrons to attend and still see the entire show. The best of subjects have been obtained and the prices are 20 and 40 cents. Matinees are given on Wednesdays and Thursdays for children."
STAR CINEMATOGRAPH.
Matinees Wyndham Street, up from Clock Tower.
EVERY NIGHT, Commencing 6 p.m. 20 CENTS AND 40 CENTS. Children Half Price MATINEES, WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY, 4 p.m. Continuous Performance WE NEVER REPEAT OUR PICTURES,
Page 195
Page 196