Published: November 5, 2012
Former Burnham-On-Sea cinema projectionist returns after 70 years

A former projectionist at Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Cinema has revisited the facilities 70 years to the day since he began work there.

John Smith visited the Ritz in Victoria Street this week where he was given a tour of the facilities by current owner Pat Scott.

He was shown the modern projection room where the high-tech digital equipment is now used to show today’s films.

John said: "It is a very impressive set-up, but I think I would struggle with the modern technology and am amazed that once the film has started the equipment does everything else automatically."

Pat said that John is always a welcome visitor at The Ritz and will always have a complimentary ticket.

John began work at the cinema in November 1942 and worked there as projectionist until the cinema closed in 1974.

He says the first film he showed was Old Mother Riley’s Circus starring Arthur Lucan and Kitty McShane and the final film was Young Winston directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Robert Shaw, Anne Bancroft and Simon Ward.

Pictured: John Smith at Burnhm's Ritz Cinema with Pat Scott in the Projection Room (Pics Andy Bewer)