The Gem by Phoenix Radio published on 2019-11-01T15:07:29Z The Gem was based in Marlborough Hall, Crossley Street, Halifax and was opened in 1917, closing in 1932. The building was opened as early as 1857 and included a concert hall with room for 700. Films were shown there as early as 1896, right at the start of the era of film and only nine months after the first films had been shown in London. By 1912 it was known as the Gem and it seems to have been leased for showing pictures during the winter on and off until 1917, when it was opened by a George West and Albert Greene as the Gem Cinema on permanent lease. Prices were 8d (about 3p) and 4d (1.5p). Ferdie Bettison, from Elland, played the piano there to accompany the silent movies. The building ceased to be a cinema around 1932, when it became a dancing academy and during the war the Marlborough Hall was a forces’ canteen. In 1948 the building was taken over by the YMCA, which has it to this day. Follow Crossley Street down to the Bus Station and we hope that you have enjoyed this trip back to the Age Of Cinema ! Genre Learning
