The Beatles, Cantonese opera, Alien and even Miss Universe … Old Hong Kong’s iconic cinemas saw it all – but which ones are still standing?
- New World Development plans to renovate the State Theatre, meanwhile is former Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying really supporting the Sunbeam Theatre?
- Several new Hong Kong cinemas have opened – ACX in Harbour North and Golden Scene in Kennedy Town – while another Emperor Cinema is coming to Times Square
It’s a tough time for cinemas. While there are theatres closing down – local cinema chain UA lowered its curtains for the last time earlier this year – there are also new cinemas being launched in movie-loving Hong Kong. There’s the sci-fi themed ACX Cinemas in North Point’s Harbour North shopping mall and the independent four-house Golden Scene in Kennedy Town. It’s also been confirmed that another Emperor Cinema will be coming to Times Square.
Meanwhile characterful movie theatres of the past remain in our memories. Here we take a look back at some of the iconic old cinemas that were once at the forefront of Hong Kong’s entertainment scene.
Princess Theatre (樂宮戲院)
Opened in 1952, the Princess Theatre stood at the junction of Nathan Road and Kimberley Road, where the Mira Hotel is now located.
Called the “Golden Mile” in post-WWII years, Nathan Road was one of the busiest streets in all Hong Kong. Famous cinemas along its length included the Alhambra Theatre (平安戲院) (1934-1958), Astor Theatre (普慶戲院) (1957-1987), London Theatre (倫敦大戲院) (1962-1988), Royal Theatre (麗聲戲院) (1960-1990) and Princess Theatre (樂宮戲院) (1952-1973), to name a few.
The Princess in particular was famous for showing films adapted from well-known works of literature, such as Ivanhoe in 1952 and Hamlet in 1964. The special discount on Sunday mornings also made it popular with students.
