The History Of The Rembrandt Cinema

Part 2: The Early Years

More details can be found in the virtual tour

An important feature of the building was the cafe, which was situated above the entrance foyer. It was common for suburban cinemas to have cafes which served teas and light refreshments.

During its first few years the Rembrandt played host to live shows, as well as films. These included performances by singers, pianists and on at least three occasions, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Basil Cameron, Richard Tauber and Sir Adrian Boult.

The cinema was run by the Gardners for four and a half years. In the early 1940's it was bought by Associated British Cinemas (A.B.C.). Who were expanding their circuit of cinemas, but were unable to build new ones due to wartime building restrictions. After the end of the war, the then familiar Neon ABC triangle was erected on the front of the building.

The cafe closed in 1953, and the area was used by a dance school for the next seven years.

The CinemaScope wide screen process came to the Rembrandt cinema in September 1954, the first film in this format was "The Command".

In 1968, A.B.C., possibly concerned for the future profitability of the Rembrandt, made a tentative application for its change of use for Bingo, and other such activities. Although the application was successful, such a move was never made. It is probable that the closure of the Epsom Odeon in June 1971 (Epsom's other cinema, the Capitol/Granada, closed in 1960) affected the decision not to resort to bingo, but to convert the auditorium into two cinemas, to offer a greater choice of programmes to the public.

Continued: The Twinned Years

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