Then & NowHong Kong cinemas: offering cool comfort since 1925 to stressed-out urbanites

As mechanical air-conditioning processes improved throughout the 1920s, the economic possi­bilities for the invention became obvious to investors. Cinemas were a prime example.

A couple of hours of pleasantly cool, darkened respite from the tropical heat and glare outside, with a choice of Western, “weepie”, romantic drama or musical comedy, with Mickey Mouse, Comic Cuts and the latest Pathé newsreel thrown in for the price of admission, was a potent, profitable combination.

Across Asia, from Bombay to Shanghai, air-conditioned cinemas multiplied throughout the 20s and 30s. Singapore’s Capitol Cinema (still in operation) opened in 1933; in Shanghai, the Cathay Theatre was built in 1930 and the magnificent art-deco style (and appropriately named) Grand Cinema, designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec, opened in 1928.

One of the most spectacular picture palaces from this era, the Metro Cinema, in Calcutta, opened in 1935.

Hong Kong had popular air-conditioned cinemas on both sides of the harbour. The best remembered remains the Beaux-Arts-style Lee Theatre, in Causeway Bay, built in 1925 with seating for 2,000 patrons. It was demolished in the early 90s.