Irish Cinemas

The Phibsboro Picture House 1914 - 1953

The Phibsboro Picture House was opened in May 1914 by William King of Raheny and managed by his brother Jack. A popular cinema, it became fondly known as "The Fizzer". Jack was apparently a man of strong Nationalist beliefs and his family were afraid that this might cause some harm to the business and indeed, the cinema itself. However nothing is recorded to suggest this ever happened.
One incident did occur when in June 1914 the film "In The Shadow Of The Throne" was being shown. Two men stood up in the middle of the show and objected to the film being shown. They threw ink at the screen, causing considerable damage. Some ink landed on the dress of one of the lady musicians and also on some music sheets, which ruined them, leaving them unreadable. One of the men shouted out that the film was insulting his religion and he called upon all Catholics in the audience to leave. When staff arrived to calm the situation, it soon became apparent that this was a well organised protest as some other audience members joined in. Police were called but the main leaders quickly disappeared. However they were caught and appeared in court the next day and argued their case by suggesting that Ireland needed a proper censorship board. The judge fined both men 1s and the managers of the cinema booked the film for another length of time such was the demand to see it thanks to the disturbance. The cinema was sold in 1938 and bought by The Rank Organisation, who increased seating from 750 to 1330. Sadly the cinema closed in 1953 and was demolished. A new cinema named The State, was built on the site.

The Bohemian Picture Theatre 1914 -

The Bohemian Picture Theatre, also in Phibsboro, was opened in June 1914. The "Boh" as it was known became well known for being the cinema that secured first time releases quite easily. This was possibly due to the fact that the cinema took a chance and gave a showing to the first film produced in Ireland, by an Irish production company featuring Irish players, "O'Neill Of The Glen".

The Capitol Cinema 1927 -

The Capitol Cinema, on Prince's St. opened in August 1920 named the La Scalla. Originally built as an Opera House, it was rarely used as such. The complex held a restaurant, lounge, café and ballroom and some of the decorative woodwork had come from the White Star Liner, The Britannic. The ship was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast and was originally named The Gigantic but this was changed following the Titanic disaster. Built to carry 2500 passengers, it was requisitioned by the Admiralty for use as a hospital ship. Sadly she was hit by a torpedo and now lies at the bottom of The Aegean Sea and is the largest liner in the world to hold that title. The wood panelling and decorative carved ornaments that were to adorn The Britannic were carefully stored away but were then bought by the theatre following the ships sinking. In 1927, Paramount took over the theatre and renamed it The Capitol. For it's opening night, it showed Harold Lloyd's "The Kid Brother".

The Camden Picture House 1912 -

The Camden Picture House opened in 1912. There had been some dispute over the plans with Dublin Corporation demanding better fire proofing and a completely enclosed concrete staircase leading upstairs to the live-in caretaker's room. The cinema had a unique entrance in that, one entered the cinema from under the screen via a tunnel. As you came into the auditorium, the projection lights blinded you and it was a better choice to walk backwards up the steps until you found a seat. It became quite an embarrassing move as the rest of the audience took great pleasure in watching each and every person as they carefully and slowly took each backward step.