Film buffs needed to shine spotlight on cinema’s past
Film buffs are being sought to solve an intriguing puzzle involving an old cinema programme.
Retired electrician Bryn Turner, aged 84, from Boney Hay, in Burntwood, discovered the old cinema programme beneath floorboards at a house he was rewiring at Wolverhampton Road, Walsall, during the 1990s.
The programme details films for showings in December 1929 at the former Cinema De Luxe in Walsall.
Mr Turner rediscovered the old programme in a wallet while he was tidying up during lockdown. Now he is keen for film fans to come forward to help him learn more about the programme and the cinema.
He said: “Considering I discovered it all those years ago beneath floorboards, it is pretty clean and I thought someone might be interested.
“I have not researched this but came across it while cleaning out some drawers and would love to learn more. The programme details the Cinema Orchestra as being under the direction of Mr H. A. Turner, and you never know we might be related.
“It would be interesting to find out.
“The seats at the cinema at that time cost four pence, six pence, eight pence and one shilling and matinees were half price.
“It seems the picture being screened at that time was The Woman in Flames, starring Olga Tschechowa, the story of a woman sacrificed.
“The following showing was to be The Sorcerer, starring Tom Tyler and Frankie Darro. This was to be followed by Son of the Golden West with Tom Mix with his wonder horse, Tony.
“I think he was someone who rode through Nottingham as part of a promotional thing.
“This may be the only programme of its kind and although I remember going to a cinema thereabouts when I was a boy of eleven or 12-years-old it did not bear the same name of Cinema De Luxe.
“I would love to hear from any film buffs who can tell me more and who might be interested in the programme.”
Anyone who can help Mr Turner with information about the cinema and programme can call him on 01543 686056.
