MOVIE PALACES #18 - GAUMONT PALACE HAMMERSMITH, WEST LONDON - 1932

A descriptive tour of the magnificent GAUMONT PALACE (later Odeon) at Hammersmith.
A fabulous palace of entertainment by architect ROBERT CROMIE.
Of special note was the COMPTON 4 manual THEATRE ORGAN
which rises from the centre of the orchestra pit.
The instrument is still in the theatre but (you've guessed it), un-played and un-loved !
Video presented by ComptonLodgeStudios, Compton Lodge, Sapcote, Leicester UK.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Magnificent! Again, thanks for all your videos! Australia, ex UK.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

So kind Jim, Take Care PAUL.

[@koont666]

Seen so many bands and films here .

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Happy memories for you Simon. Thanks for commenting, PAUL.

[@mrcrazyjonpresents4312]

Be great to see a tour of this place to see features from its old days of cinema theatre days would love to know if that massive old lighting system was still in the flys today

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Sure would Jonathan - PAUL.

[@paulbexfield2136]

The exterior of the building was used as The Grand Cinema in the film The Smallest Show on Earth which starred Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers, Bernard Miles, Margaret Rutherford and Peter Sellers Its tells the story of a man left a cinema by an old uncle he hardly knew .Arriving in town he sees the Grand and wrongly assumes its his only to find his is an old flea pit called The Bijou

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Thanks Paul for your comments. "The Smallest Show on Earth" was a great film. Strangely they used the sound of an early Hammond Organ for the scene inside the "Grand". This film was much enjoyed by our audience at our film club (long gone!) many years ago. Regards PAUL.

[@peterh9212]

A major London rock venue in the 1970s. Some very famous performers have played here. And I saw many of them.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Hi Peter - Thanks for commenting - PAUL

[@jazzboyfin]

I need to correct you Paul - The Hammersmith Compton is not unloved, and it does get used very occasionally, the last time at a huge New Year's Eve event this year. It would of course be good if it was used more frequently, but at least the staff cherish it and the management are spending money on its upkeep. Best, Peter

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

I jazzboyfin - My apologies and glad at least the staff love the Compton. Let's hope there are more suitable programmes where it can be featured. All the Best PAUL.

[@jazzboyfin]

Thanks Paul. All the best to you too and i really hope to make it over to see the Christie before too long! Best, Peter Hammond

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Cheers Peter.