Chapter 1 1 Biographies

CECIL DENNIS

Remember the days when it cost fifteen cents for an evening at the movie theatre. Cecil Dennis from O’Leary was responsible for bringing the cinema to West Prince shortly after the first World War, and fifteen cents was the going rate at that time.

In 1919 Cecil brought silent moving pictures - action without sound - to the communities in West Prince by operating his movie machine at public halls. After each scene shown on the screen, there was print at which time the previous action was explained. The rent- ed halls were always crammed full of viewers of all ages - everyone anxious to see the latest western or comedy film released from Hollywood.

Mr. Dennis' policy of a money back guarantee accompanied the ticket when bought at the door. In the 28 years of operation only ‘ two people ever took Mr. Dennis up on this offer at the end of a ‘ show. He said that neither person would accept the money when he offered it to them. Mr. Dennis said that he thought that the majority of his customers left happy with the show and always returned when he came to their community again.

Helen Howatt played music on the piano to accompany the silent movies,never missing a note while she played and watched Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or Mary Pickford.

”She would sit there and watch the films and play. When you got a film, suitable musical notes came with it," Mr. Dennis explained.

Cecil travelled throughout the area showing films in public halls and buildings in Tignish, O’Leary, and Alberton once a week and to outlying communities every second week. In addition to the main centres, the shows were also taken to Bloomfield, Port Hill, Freeland, Tyne Valley, Lot 7, Carleton West, Glenwood, Coleman and Kensington. Additional showings could also be arranged by appoint- ment provided there was sufficient interest and a building available.

Cecil recalled one incident when he brought a movie to Glenwood for the first time. The hall was so crowded people were standing outside watching through open windows in the pouring rain.

When Cecil first started showing silent pictures, he had one machine. He had to stop every fifteen minutes to change reels. He

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