“THE FLICKIES.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20629, 1 June 1935, Page 25 (Supplement)

“THE FLICKIES.”

England’s Last Silent Cinema. THOSE NOISES OFF. pXGLAXD’S last silent cinems opens three times a week showing “ flickies ” at twopence a seat—it’s the one bright spot in the dismally de pressed Cotton Town of Roy ton. Lan cashire, says the London “ News Chronicle.” They come from miles around to be thrilled by Pearl White chasing crook? across the girders: to weep at Con stance Talmadge; to cheer gallant Roc la Rocque. . But the man behind it all. the top of-the-bill attraction, is Albert Green — “ noises off ” on the grand piano. He used to be musical director foi the three cinemas owned by Mr J Cheetham. Now two of them have gone ovei to “ talkies ” and on his concert grand he is left to interpret the old silenl films to a wondering generation at the Electra Picture House. Royton. For three hours his fingers dash uf and down the keyboard without a stop. He mingles Schumann anc Beethoven with " The Bing Boys,’ switching, according to the shadow? on the screen, from the deathly dra matic to the sweetly sentimental. And if the picture should flicker be yond recognition—Albert Green strike; up “ Waggon Wheels.” and all th« audience joins in a riotous chorus. He is an A.R.C.M. and an M.R.S.T and he has plaved almost every tune published. That’s in twenty years ir the orchestra pit. He still holds the fort for the " flickies.” The Elertra will never show talking pictures. Mr Cheetham told a reporter —and so did Bill the Back Stage Man electrician and producer. “ Give me the silents every time.’ he thundered. “ There’s more storv in them. Those chaps can act. too, without all that wisecracking and jazz bands.’ Bill was asked why the Western Electric Company’s census had. reveal ed that his cinema was the only sur viving silent one. “ Well. .. .” he replied. “ I’m told there’s a tremendous lot of deaf and dumb people in these parts. ...”