The Regent Theatre in Picton
opened in 1918 in a building dating back to the 1830s. The owners,
George and Ellen Cook, presented both vaudeville
shows and motion pictures.
The theatre was renovated in 1931 and given a new lobby and façade.
Mr. Cook passed away in 1959, and in 1962 Mrs. Cook decided to
lease the operation of the theatre, maintaining ownership of the
building. She remodelled it before handing it over to the new
tenants and was very pleased that.....
“...it gives
two young men a chance to try their hand at show business,
and earn a living at something they feel they are fitted
for”
RG 56-9-0-57-13 |
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to see a larger image (109K)
Regent Theatre, Picton, exterior, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-207-6
Archives of Ontario, I0012541 |
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to see a larger image (86K)
Regent Theatre, Picton, front of auditorium, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-207-2
Archives of Ontario, I0012540
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Regent Theatre, Picton, rear of auditorium, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-207-1
Archives of Ontario, I0012539 |
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The tendency of many theatre owners and managers,
when confronted by a negative inspector’s report, was to try
to pass the buck. George Cook’s response to the issue of overcrowding
in his theatre one evening was therefore quite refreshing. He explained
the circumstances-- when they expect a large crowd they have the
police on hand to help, but on this occasion a large crowd was unexpected--but
took full responsibility, admitting that he “bungled badly”
in his managing of the crowd.
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