Regal Cinema

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Uploaded on: March 18, 2023

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The photograph above is the auditorium of the former Palace cinema taken prior to demolition in September 1934. Designed by cinema Architect George Coles in 1923 with oriental interior featuring chinoiserie style paintings, within golden frames everywhere, was just too overpowering for an audience of the mid 1930’s. The Palace cinema was under the control of Eastern Bow Palace Ltd., before its liquidation and closure in September 1934. This was due to a dramatic fall of audiences caused by the horrific murder on Tuesday 7th August 1934 of the Manager Dudley Henry Hoard and near fatal injuries to his wife Masie, by Palace cinema attendant 19 year old John Stockwell, who had plotted to rob the cinema Manager’s office of the Bank Holiday weekend takings. Stockwell attacked and killed the Manager instantly with an axe striking his head numerous times also his wife, whom he left for dead by her husband’s side. Escaping with a suitcase filled with the takings due to be banked. The bodies were discovered later by a cleaner, miraculously Masie had survived. Police caught and arrested Stockwell who was staying at the Metropolitan Hotel Great Yarmouth, four days later on 11th August. He was found guilty of the murder and hanged at Pentonville prison.

Ron Knee