FIRE AT PICTURE THEATRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16146, 26 February 1918, Page 6

FIRE AT PICTURE THEATRE.

TWO REELS OF FILM DESTROYED-. AUDIENCE REMAINS CALM. Some excitement, but no panic, marked a fire in the operating cabin at the Empire Picture Theatre, Sydenham, last evening, by which 2000 feet of film was destroyed. A five-reel subject, "A Gambler's Soul," was being shown, and as Mr Williams, the operator, was removing the first spool tho end caught fire. He quickly tore the blazing piece off, but unfortunately dropped it on tho first and eecond spools, which immediately caught and wore soon in flames. The firemen on duty at the theatre speedily entered tho cabin and averted danger by seizing and throwing the burning film out in to tho street. Naturally the audience, which was «1 largo one, was rather startled, but kept calm. Though a few nervous patrons left the theatre, which is well equipped with exits, ordinary and emergency, the great majority remained in their seats, and if they'had any misgivings, none was apparent from their behaviour, which was excellent.

Beyond the loss of the film, no damage was done, the only one to suffer being Mr Williams, who was burned on tho hands and suffered from shock.