Document one

The old cinemas in Dartford

I can remember three cinemas, Rialto, Scala and the State which opened in 1935 when I was 10. I remember the Gem frontage was still there up until it was demolished to make way for the Courts furniture store. I was told the Gem was also used as a public hall and if there was a meeting there were no films that evening! Many happy times we had at the cinemas; the films were quite good and most had happy endings. During the war many a time we queued outside (often in the rain). I got married in 1944 (the war was still on). On my wedding day our honeymoon was spent at the State, the film was Betty Grable in "Pin-up Girl". I never remembered the story but recently I saw the film on T.V., it brought back memories, it was so romantic.

My grandmother went to the Scala during the First World War and in the latest news from the battlefield she saw my uncle ride by on a horse!

Another memory I have is of the State which had an organ which was played by a lady called Clare; she often played 'Tiger Rag' which used to vibrate right up the floor to the back. I used to know a lady who played the piano for the silent films. She said it was hard work, you were not told what to play, you just played what you thought would fit. It was a case of one eye on the screen and one on the piano.

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF MRS. N. McKIE (SLADE GREEN)