Savoy Cinema

Infobox generic
style0 = class="infobox" style="width:18em; font-size:90%;"
color = red
name = Savoy Cinema
sub0 = Dublin cinema|
img1 = Savoyfest.jpg
width1 = 160px
cap1 = Savoy Cinema, Dublin during the 2006 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival|
hdr1 = Information
lbl1 = Address:
row1 = 16-19 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1
lbl2 = Number of screens:
row2 = Originally single screen, subdivided into six
lbl4 = Opened:
row4 = 29 November 1929
lbl5 = Architect:
row5 = C.F. Mitchell and W.E. Greenwood
lbl6 = Seats:
row6 = 1,984
lbl7 = Owners:
row7 = Ward Anderson

The Savoy Cinema is Dublin's oldest operational cinema, and is the cinema of choice in Ireland for film premieres.

History

The Savoy was built in 1929 on the site of the old Granville Hotel, by Associated Cinemas Ltd. The luxurious auditorium, housing 2,789 seats, opened to the public with the film "On With The Show". The cinema was altered in 1954 to incorporate a large CinemaScope screen, and screened Ireland's first widescreen feature, The Robe, at the time owned by Odeon Ireland Ltd.

creens

The Savoy holds the dubious honour of being the most altered cinema in Dublin's history, and in 1969 the cinema was twinned. In 1975 the Savoy's restaurant was converted to a third screen, holding 200 seats, followed in 1979 by further sub-divisions, incorporating five screens in all. Under the ownership of the Green Group, in 1988 the cinema was given its sixth screen. In the process, the Savoy had lost a third of its capacity.

In 2004 renovation work was carried out on the Savoy, moving the Box Office from the two booths located on either side of the entrance to a special area which was formerly an adjoining shop. The confectionary counter has also moved many times, but is presently in its original location, between the doors of Screen 1.

Premieres

Over the years the cinema has played host to the Irish premières of many films, although most tend to have an Irish connection. Films shown here have included Alexander, Once and The Man in the Iron Mask. The cinema is also used during the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, and is primarily used for the Big Event screenings, such as opening and closing night shows. It also hosts the Surprise Film, which in 2006 was the first Irish screening of 300.

ee also

* Screen Cinema
* Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
* Ward Anderson

External links

* [http://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/savoy/savoydublin.htm Website of the Savoy Cinema in Dublin]
* [http://www.filminfo.net Ward Anderson official website]