Ritz Cinema

Strathearn Terrace,
Crieff, PH7 3BZ

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Caledonian Associated Cinemas Ltd., J.B. Milne Theatres

Functions: Educational

Nearby Theaters

Ritz Cinema

In Crieff, Perth & Kinross, I have been unable to trace the origins of Porteous Hall. Events at the Hall listed on the internet include a “grand exhibition and bazaar”, in aid of the fund for renovating the organ of St Columbus' Episcopal Church, Crieff, in August 1890.

The Hall was also used for live performances, including “The Eves”, in September 1916, in aid of the Scottish Red Cross, and a double bill of “Ayont the Hill” and “The Scarecrow”, by The Scottish National Players, on 14th November 1930. There might well have been bioscope performances in the very early years of cinema.

The Hall does not appear in the 1914 or 1931 Kinematograph Year Books, but it is listed, as the Ritz Cinema, in the 1940 edition. So presumably film shows started in the mid/late-1930’s.

In 1940 (and 1954), it was owned by Ritz (Crieff) Ltd. The Managing Director was J. B. Milne of the J.B. Milne Theatres chain. By 1958 it was listed as being operated by the Caledonian Associated Cinemas Ltd. chain as (Closed)

The Ritz Cinema had definitely closed by 1963.

More recently it was acquired by Morrison’s Academy, a private school, for use as its refectory.

Contributed by David Simpson

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

alexbraid
alexbraid on September 19, 2016 at 9:03 pm

In 1959 J.B. Milne transferred ownership of the Ritz Crieff and Alhambra Dunfermline to Caledonian Associated Cinemas who in turn gave J.B. Milne the Playhouse Montrose and the Playhouse Peterhead thus ensuring neither circuit was competing in the same time. The deal gave Milne two excellent additions to his circuit while the Alhambra Dunfermline soon became an important bingo club for CAC who later disposed of the Ritz Crieff which was inferior to their Crieff Cinema.

alexbraid
alexbraid on September 19, 2016 at 9:10 pm

Above should read “neither circuit was competing in the same TOWN”.

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