MOVIE PALACES #2 - GAUMONT STATE THEATRE KILBURN LONDON - 1937

Movie Palaces #2 - A tour of the famous GAUMONT STATE CINEMA KILBURN London.
Built by the HYAMS BROTHERS CIRCUIT. Gaumont joined the Hyams Brothers and Major Gale towards the end of the project as GAUMONT SUPER CINEMAS,
part of the Gaumont British Picture Corporation.
The theatre was designed by George Coles and the Wurlitzer 4/16
and grand piano was famously recorded by SIDNEY TORCH.
Video uploaded by ComptonLodgeStudios, Compton Lodge, Sapcote, Leicester LE9 4DW

[@mainaccount131]

Super excellent with very good interesting video

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

A belated "Thanks" Main Account - PAUL.

[@derekatkins1773]

This lovely and great Gaumont State cinema was a lovely fabulous place to watch films there and it made you feel so special like been a member of the royal family. A fine example of yesterday movie palaces .

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

I quite agree Derek. I played this Wurlitzer so many times for film intermissions for the late John Stwewart the resident organist and custodian of this Wonderful Instrument. Happy Days indeed! PAUL.

[@MindSetReset]

The building is still very grand and in good condition with much original features. Thanks for posting this video .:o)

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Thanks for commenting Kingdom Perspectives. Pleased the church is looking after the building.

[@davidneale7202]

The last organ concert at the State Theatre Kilburn was held in August 2006 with Nigel Ogden at the console. The organ is maintained by myself and is in excellent condition, however it isn’t needed for church services but remains completely playable.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Hi David, Many Thanks for keeping everyone "Up to Date" - Keep Up the Good Work - Sincere Best Wishes PAUL.

[@johnsbatts]

Thanks for posting this item, Paul. I am astonished that after 2 years no one has left a comment. I have wonderful memories of this theatre, having been allowed to play it on several occasions many decades ago thanks to the kindness of the then manager Billy Weir.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Hi John - Glad this video brought back happy memories for you. I played this organ on many occasions in the 1960's during the tenure of John Stewart. Later on I did one shared concert and about five solo ones for the ATOS London Chapter. A terrific organ and theatre. It's a great shame the Wurlitzer is no longer available for shows.

[@johnsbatts]

I absolutely agree with you re availability. I hear from John Atwell a little while back that he had been able to give a show there, but I suppose that might be 2 or 3 years ago.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Thanks for your positive comments John.

[@dreadnaught90]

Magnificent movie theatre! Sad to see it as a bingo hall but at least it has not been torn down. I worked as a part-time projectionist in a much smaller theatre when I was in my teens so I am particularly interested in the projection room and lighting board. I would imagine the projection staff had a high standard of presentation. Thanks for posting the video.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Thanks for commenting dreadnaught190 - a terrific building. I had the pleasure and honour to feature the Wurlitzer for the regular film performances, thanks to John Stewart the resident organist. In my career as leader of our Trio - Hazel & the Paul Kirner Sound we played many Bingo Halls some of which were ex cinema buildings always receiving a great welcome from the members and 100's of halls mostly Ladbrokes, Regent Circuit, Zetters etc. Remember "Bingo" is classed as entertainment and is a preferred use of an entertainment building as opposed to a church venue. Thanks again for commenting - PAUL

[@mainaccount131]

Extremely interesting

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

Thanks for commenting - PAUL.

[@JohnGullBoogie]

My word, going there as an 8/9 year old I appreciated the beauty but could have no idea of all the real beauty behind it. An evengelical church who prey on the poor and the misguided run it now, what a modern debacle.

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

So true JohnGullBoogie - I was lucky to be asked to play the State Wurlitzer both for concerts and as part of the film programmes. A wonderful experience. Thanks for commenting, PAUL.

[@srfurley]

Looks like a bi-uncial slide lantern and two Brenographs nearest the camera. Presumably, it would also have had follow spots in addition to two or three film projectors.

[@mrcrazyjonpresents4312]

Well at least the place is still standing Shame its a church today there must be loads of places in this place not being used today including the fly tower and projector room I wonder if the projectors are still in situ with the old electrics board

[@ComptonLodgeStudios]

As you say, still standing and kept in good order including the Wurlitzer. I spent many happy Sunday afternoons playing-in the audience, thanks to John Stewart, in the mid-sixties and later concerts for ATOS. Hope to upload a video taken from recordings made at public performances during my years of appearances at Kilburn. Thanks for commenting - PAUL.