The Orcadian Features - Farewell to the old Phoenix

Farewell to the old Phoenix
Cinema holds many memories
By Ross Reid
(Story dated: Thursday, November 11, 2004)

Part of an Orkney institution may have been reduced to rubble last week, but the legacy of the old Phoenix Cinema will stay cemented in the memories of Orcadians for years to come.

As construction work begins to turn the venue into a building site, it is hard for younger folk to imagine the hustle and bustle when hundreds of Orcadians crammed in to see the latest instalment of a 1960s’ episode of Batman and Robin.

The Picky Centre is now the place to be to see the latest in cinematic artistry, but with its modern interior and fancy furniture, many believe that the new cinema lacks the character and atmosphere that the old Phoenix poignantly displayed.

Opened in June, 1955, by D. B. Peace, the Phoenix Cinema quickly became one of Orkney’s main attractions, showing series programmes and old cowboy adventures.

The Shearer family was the driving force behind the cinema’s success and the charismatic Dougie Shearer added the craftsmanship that kept audiences at the edge of their seats.

Kenny Thomson, ex-employee at the Phoenix and a cinema enthusiast, has fond memories of the time he spent there, both as a youngster and as a member of staff.

He believes that it was the Phoenix’s distinctive character that made it so special.

“The old Phoenix had its own character. It was a really special place and I used to love going whenever I could.

“I remember seeing my first film there, which was Summer Holiday – that tells you how long I had been going for.

“I remember how amazed I was when I first went there. It seemed so big and there were so many people.

“It was incredible. I was amazed by the lighting in it, and I initially think I enjoyed the light show more than I did the film.”

Kenny, who used to attend most Saturdays in the early 1960s, said that it was the exciting drama series that got people coming back for more.

“We got to see things like cowboy adventures which were really dramatic. They always managed to leave it on a cliff-hanger, which meant you had to go back the week after to see the outcome. You couldn’t miss the following episode.”

Kenny, who went on to work as a part-time doorman and a cashier at the cinema, said that one of the reasons behind the success was the management style of Dougie Shearer.

Remembered by many as Orkney’s last cinematographer, Dougie was known for spending every moment he could at the Phoenix, passionately perfecting the running of the business.

Kenny reminisced about Dougie’s legacy and said that his dedication to cinematography was so profound that he often tried to teach people the tricks of the trade.

He joked that on one occasion Dougie attempted to teach him how to operate the BTH projector, but one nerve-wracking moment put him off projection for life.

“There were some hair-raising moments when one of the film matinees had an unexpected intermission following on from my lacing a reel of film the wrong way through the machine.

“The unflappable Dougie soon put matters right with an air of calm. I, on the other hand, sweating heavily, anticipated refunds being demanded by the audience which by this time had endured an unscheduled eight minute break.”

Unfortunately, by the late 1960s, cinema was losing its appeal to the general public.

In 1966, the Phoenix started bingo sessions which helped increase takings, but this was regrettable to Dougie who desperately did not want to deflect from cinematography.

“They had to start bingo for a financial boost as profits were dropping as a result of colour television,” Kenny said. “Things continued like that and it was very unfortunate.”

Throughout the following decade, the financial situation continued to deteriorate and, in 1985, the Shearers had to sell the business.

“It was a shame because in the 1970s we had great blockbusters like Jaws and Saturday Night Fever,” Kenny said.

The council bought the cinema and owned it until 1998 when it was deserted.

Although it is six years since it stopped its function as a cinema, demolition work has amplified its loss for many, and according to Kenny it is the end of a significant era in Orkney.

“It was really sad to see it go because there was so much character about it and it was really unique. The thing I miss most about the cinema is seeing the regulars. We used to see regular faces all the time and it is sad to see that disappear.

“When it is completely demolished it will be the last link with the Shearer family.

“Dougie would not have liked to see the Phoenix coming down.

“It is difficult to single out one reason for its closure as a cinema. Obviously it wasn’t going to be able to cope with the running costs but it would have been nice to see it saved.

“I am really pleased that there is still a cinema in Orkney, but it doesn’t quite have the old Phoenix’s character. Newer cinemas are plain and not as interesting. But still, we are very fortunate to still have one,” he said.

When asked to recall his favourite film he saw at the Phoenix, Kenny said: “Embarrassingly enough, I would have to say Grease. It was a spectacular film and it attracted lots of people to the Phoenix.”

It is undoubtedly the end of an interesting era, but Orcadians can take some consolation knowing that the new building will be home to the women’s refuge run by Women’s Aid Orkney.

“I am glad to see something positive coming instead. I think it is a great service they provide and I’m glad the site will be used for something so positive”, said Kenny.