The Regent Cinema:
'The Latest and Best'
The Casino Dance Hall > was the popular forerunner of several discothèques or nightclubs
The Casino Dance Hall opened in the old Regents Cinema, Newton Road, Mumbles.
The Cinema, which had opened in 1927, then closed on the outbreak of The Second World War,along with all other places of entertainment. Many soon reopened, when the properganda value of such places, which included Theatures, was appreciated.
The former Regent Cinema in Newton Road, was requisitioned, cleaned out and stripped bare and became it soon became the HQ of C’ Company, of 12th Battalion, Home Guard, initially called the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV). More: Home Guard collection >
The Regent Cinema, situated in Newton Road, Oystermouth, is Mumbles’ latest and best. Opened in July 1927, [The photo above was taken before the cinema opened to the public]. this cinema has always advanced with the times and the best pictures produced have been shown at this rendezvous.
Built regardless of expense for the comfort of its patrons, with the finest machine installed for the projection of pictures, it has been more than proved by the support it has received since its opening. It is clear that a cinema was needed for the population of Mumbles and district.
The interior of the Regent Cinema, July 1927
Regent Cinema - now Castleton Walk Arcade, 2012. The Regent advert is from c1927
Not content with only giving the best of ‘silent’ films to their patrons, the Regent has recently installed PERFECT talking films, the first of its kind in Swansea and district, which are continually drawing crowded houses.
Indeed, it is with difficulty, that one is certain of ones seat on Thursdays and Saturdays. To those who wish to see a first-class programme, it is strongly advised to attend early at the box office, which opens at 5-45.
A re-arranged expensive programme has been obtained for the benefit of the VISITORS this weekend, including one of the ‘silent’ film stars well known to all cinema fans.
In ‘Foreign Legion,’ a tale of sex, soldiers, passion and strife, we have our old favourites Norman Kerry, Lewis Stone, June Marlow and Mary Nolan. The supporting film is ‘Powder my Back’ with Irene Rich.
Have you yet heard a Real Talking Film? For tonight the Regent are putting on such favourites as Ernie Lotinga in a sketch ‘Doing His Duty’; Billy Merson in ‘Desdemona’; Teddy Brown the famous xylophonist and his band with Josephine Earle in selections from her repertoire.
Ernie Lotinga (1876–1951) was a British comedian and film actor. Lotinga became known for the Josser series of comedy film in which he starred during the 1930s. [Wikipedia]
Acknowledgements
Mumbles A to Z Saturday, June 8th 1929, Published by The Bart Cronin Advertising Agency, Ltd. West Cross, Swansea.
Wikipedia:
Ernie Lotinga (1876–1951) was a British comedian and film actor. Lotinga became known for the Josser series of comedy film in which he starred during the 1930s.