Heroes and Villains – December Past Pavilion

The November newsletter provided a teaser entitled “Heroes and Villains”. In the interests of fairness two examples from each category have been drawn from the ever growing spreadsheet that details matters large and small in the history of the Selsey Pavilion.

Let us start with the “Heroes”. The first selection is based on a pantomime subject but this time on film. The story of Aladdin and his Lamp (1952).

PAVILION. SELSEY "ALADDIN AND HIS LAMP." with Patricia Medina and John Sands, captures the romance and all the magic of the tales of "One Thousand Nights." Patricia plays the role of Princess Jasmine, sought by the villainous Bokra. played by John Dehner. She is beloved by young Aladdin, the thief who inherits riches after he finds the magic lamp.

Bognor Regis Observer 22/12/1955

The second film is about true heroes in every sense of the word, “Conquest of Everest”.

PAVILION. SELSEY The spirit of adventure and the immense courage of a band of men have resulted in the production of "THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST." a colour record photographed on the spot by famous cameraman, Tom Stobart. It is difficult to remain unexcited as the British mountaineers push fearlessly ahead to their ultimate glory, turning a blind eye to the knowledge that one false step might result in a fatal accident. This account of the assault on 29,000 ft. Mount Everest by men prepared to face any danger to make the eighth attempt on the mountain a success, was given a Royal Premiere in London.

Bognor Regis Observer 18/6/1954

Now we move onto the “Villains”. You can boo and hiss as you read this section! Firstly we look at a more traditional pantomime staged by SCAMPS in January 1959.

"Ali Baba" at Selsey. The SCAMPS (Selsey Comedy and Musical Productions Society) presented the tenth pantomime "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves" at the Pavilion Cinema. Script, songs and music were written by the producer, Dan Denton, and Miss Dorothy Charlton. Phyllis May designed and made the beautiful costumes, and Frank Currie excelled himself in designing the scenery. Peggy Cockayne the principal boy, and Princess Morgiana, played by Mavis Tomsett, made a very attractive pair. The parts of Cogia Hassan, captain of the robbers, and his two henchmen, Blind Ali and Salli's Ali, were played by Sheila Holland and John Edye (two comparative newcomers to the SCAMPS), and by Bobbie Fullick with vigour and realism. John Bunn ably took the part of the Dame and Roy Balcomb made a welcome reappearance in pantomime in the role of Mustapha, the Caliph's guard. Olive and Elizabeth Bedells were superb as the comic donkey, and later as the two penguins. Beryl Wakeling danced with confidence and grace in the role of the slave girl and later in the Snake Dance.

Portsmouth Evening News 1/1/1959

The final selection is a very topical “Villain” in the shape of the taxman. In the 1950s there was a very unpopular tax (although arguably all taxes are unpopular!) known as “Entertainments Tax”. Small cinemas and theatres were particularly hard hit. The Selsey Pavilion was no exception as it experienced very hard times in the second half of the 1950s.

ENTERTAINMENTS TAX DEPUTATION - I have read with great interest in the "KINE" of the various efforts which are being made on behalf of the small exhibitor in connection with entertainments tax relief. It is comforting to know that out plight is becoming universally known. I have recently written to Sir Winston Churchill, who passed my letter on to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I enclose replies from both. This may have done some good, but I feel that if, through your columns, we could muster up a contingent of small exhibitors and organise a deputation, with the backing of the C.E.A. we could bring it home to the powers that be just how serious the position is. If any small exhibitors who are interested would like to drop me a line and state their views, I will put all my energies into getting something organised. I feel sure a united effort will bring results.

Rodney Hesse, Pavilion Cinema. Selsey.

The letter from the Treasury assures Mr. Hesse that his representations will be borne in mind during the review of taxation prior to the Budget. —Editor.

Kinematograph Weekly 6/1/1955