The Show Must Go On

The Rex Cinema, which looked like it had closed its doors for the last time in 1988, finally re-opened in style this weekend.

Dec  7 2004

A very special screening of 'The Third Man' officially re-opened The Rex cinema in Berkhamsted on Sunday night, kicking off what promises to be a truly special cinematic experience for all visitors to the re-modeled movie Mecca.

A well chosen film, Carol Reed's classic harks back to the cinema's 1930's roots while at the same time representing the quality of programming that is all set to become The Rex's trademark.

What was once a derelict building is now a glorious, lovingly restored art deco cinema reminiscent of magical movie-going days gone by.

This latest chapter in the history of The Rex began in February 1988, when the cinema screened its last film, fell silent and remained untouched for more than a decade. Since that fateful day, demolition applications have come and gone and only the building's grade II listed status prevented it from going the way of the dodo.

The intervening years have been a long, hard struggle for all those trying to get the cinema back on track, but James Hannaway, the driving force behind the building's renovation since taking over the reigns in July 2003, has made serious headway in the last 12 months. Indeed, with the help of funds from a variety of benefactors as well as a good deal of community support, he has slowly but surely restored the venue to much of its former glory.

The result is a glorious monument to independent cinema; a movie house that is quite simply devoted to enriching the movie going experience. In direct contrast to the faceless, warehouse-style multiplexes that litter every town in Britain, The Rex is unique; a custom-made slice of celluloid heaven that exudes luxury and quality from every cinematic pore.

The main feature is the big screen, one of the largest in the UK, which stands tall in front of 294 huge seats with 'leg-room for giants,' according to Hannaway.

Gone too are the days when The Rex of the 80s screened the likes of 'Teen Wolf' and 'The Witches of Eastwick' using the same sound system that was installed in 1938.

Today it's surround sound all the way, a new concept for former projectionist Alan Rees, 73, who came out of retirement especially for the re-opening and is now sure to become a permanent fixture at the cinema.

The Rex also aims to draw in the crowds with two bars, waitress service and a fine wine list, replacing the super size coke and popcorn mega deal of today with 1930s club-style sophistication.

But will it work? What's to say the Rex of 2004 won't go under just as the Rex of the 1980s did? Hannaway himself has no illusions about the fickle nature of the movie going public, admitting: 'Weddings can disappoint, funerals rarely. After all this work, anti-climax is not only possible but anticipated.'

A strong program, however, as well as the flexibility to house other events such as music and comedy nights, projects a favourable light on the success of Berkamsted's newest evening out.

Repertory screenings, contemporary cinema, and old classics will also sit side by side on the bill, ensuring that there is something for even the most discerning of film fans. Indeed the December line-up includes such quality fare as 'Hero', 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and 'Dr Zhivago' to name but three.

And as for the end of the month, we recommend you head down to The Rex right about now as the queues will soon be forming for the Christmas Eve performance of 'It’s A Wonderful Life', a wonderful screening taking place at a truly wonderful new cinema.