Cannon Film Centre Belfast
1-11 Fisherwick Place,
Belfast,
BT2 7AP
1-11 Fisherwick Place,
Belfast,
BT2 7AP
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I have put together a podcast on the history of this cinema. Details below:
Take a trip from The Wizard of Oz to Reservoir Dogs in the Wonder Cinema of Ireland, the Ritz, Belfast. Join hosts, filmmaker Brian Henry Martin and cinema historian Dr. Sam Manning in a new six-part series exploring the remarkable story of a long lost super cinema.
https://thewondercinema.buzzsprout.com/
Me and my big bro went to this cinema in the 80’s. I just recall watching one film labyrinth starring jennifer Connolly oh and the late david bowie r.i.p. I remember the kiosk it was as dark as the cinema. And something I have not seen since, the staff going down the isles with ice cream then they stood there for awhile. Happy memories. Oh rest in piece dad (alfie).
Philip.
Following conversion to a 4-screen, it reopened as the ABC Film Centre on 19 June 1980 (not 1981). When it was taken over by Cannon in 1986, it was rebranded as the Cannon Film Centre. When it closed in July 1993, it was replaced at the same time by the MGM 10-screen on the Dublin Road, barely 5 minutes walking distance from the old cinema.
Hello! I’m trying to recall which cinema in downtown Belfast screened “Mississippi Burning” in 1989? Does anyone remember if it was The Cannon or The Curzon or the university? This is research for a book. I pay in pints! :)
Early view here
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The Ritz Cinema was equipped with a Compton 4Manual/10Ranks (with Melotone) theatre organ which was opened by Harold Ramsey. The opening date was 9th November 1936 and appearing on stage that night were Gracie Fields and Jack Hylton and his Band.
The architect Leslie H. Kemp was the main architect who worked in collaboration with E.F. Tulley & J.H. Lundy. The building was planned by the Lou Morris chain, but was taken over during construction by Union Cinemas. Union were taken over by Associated british Cinemas (ABC) in October 1937.
It continued with the Ritz name until 1963 when it was renamed ABC. It was closed on 22nd September 1977 when it was the victim of an arson attack by fire bombs. It eventually re-opened in 1981 as a 4-screen Cannon Cinema which was closed on 1st July 1993.