The Odeon Cinema was part of Cathay Organization and showed movies like April Love (image) or Bernardine, two of his starter flicks that made him a pop star. The building was near the junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road and was another hot spot for movie goers in the 50s and 60s.
Movies like these have many songs that live in the memory of many Singaporeans and influenced the 60s music scene. Although the accompanying bands in the 50s were not guitar groups, they were smaller bands that consisted of a piano, a guitar, a double bass and drums. Some groups include a blowing instrument like the saxophone. This standard quartet would provide the accompaniment for the singer who would usually croon his songs like Pat Boone.
I remember watching movies at this cinema with a friend but usually alone and paying a dollar for the front seats. Access to this cheap ticket area was through the back part of the cinema as patrons had to pass a car park (one of the first of its kind) with a long ramp to its entrance. It was also the place where band boys gathered with their instruments, prepared for their debut, since it was near the back of the stage.
Movies like these have many songs that live in the memory of many Singaporeans and influenced the 60s music scene. Although the accompanying bands in the 50s were not guitar groups, they were smaller bands that consisted of a piano, a guitar, a double bass and drums. Some groups include a blowing instrument like the saxophone. This standard quartet would provide the accompaniment for the singer who would usually croon his songs like Pat Boone.
I remember watching movies at this cinema with a friend but usually alone and paying a dollar for the front seats. Access to this cheap ticket area was through the back part of the cinema as patrons had to pass a car park (one of the first of its kind) with a long ramp to its entrance. It was also the place where band boys gathered with their instruments, prepared for their debut, since it was near the back of the stage.
The Odeon Cinema @ North Bridge Road with a car park behind. |
Local bands will have their trios and quartets too. Most of them are professionals and entertain at the hotels, night spots and the 3 Worlds, namely at Great World, New World and Happy World. These muscisians can play on the spot because they read notes and also accompany dancers like strip artistes, acrobats, jugglers, etc who perform on stage. Tape recordings are few and far between then so music is 'live'.
Shops near the cinema include eateries, smaller restaurants, shirt shops like the famous CYC and others selling electronic goods like Sharp Calculators, stationary, etc. The coffee shops, usually at the corners of shop houses would have local food favourites like char kway teow, beefball noodles and fish ball soup.
Life was so relaxed and easier then as cinema patrons come earlier before a show to either have an earlier dinner or walk around the area before plunging into the Odeon and immersing themselves in a movie.
Shops near the cinema include eateries, smaller restaurants, shirt shops like the famous CYC and others selling electronic goods like Sharp Calculators, stationary, etc. The coffee shops, usually at the corners of shop houses would have local food favourites like char kway teow, beefball noodles and fish ball soup.
PAT BOONE 'BERNADINE' VIDEO BY Footsteps 11 Thank you very much.
Life was so relaxed and easier then as cinema patrons come earlier before a show to either have an earlier dinner or walk around the area before plunging into the Odeon and immersing themselves in a movie.
Image: Google imagesy
YouTube Video Footsteps 11
YouTube Video Footsteps 11
Original article: Andy Young Collection.
8 comments:
Pak, lagu-lagu Pat Boone saya gemari termasuk bapa saya. Hebat lah penyanyi tersebut. (Bambang)
Terima kaseh, Banyak perminat2 di Singapura kagum dengan suara Pat Boone dan banyak membeli rekod2-nya.
Andy
Pat Boone's songs will live on. My grandson can sing Bernardine. Strange song for a 3 year old boy to appreciate.
Reminds me of King Kong the Movie
Thanks HG, that's cute. :-)
Thanks to Jerome too and his Little Street FB connection and all others who LIKE this post.
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EXTRACTS FROM FB CHATS:
Andy Young: Thanks guys that you LIKE this post.
Hg Lee Reminds me of King Kong the Movie.
Andy Young Thanks HG, that's cute. :-) Thanks to Jerome too and his Little Street FB connection and all others who LIKE this post.
Stephen Han Watch a lot of movies in this cinema.In 1964 it showcased the Johnny Lion and The Jumping Jewels.Yes the corner coffee shop was jam packed.Opposite Odeon was the Jubilee Theatre where Mandarin and Cantonese films were shown
Andy Young Thanks Stephen and many more who like this post. Appreciate.
Manage
Stephen Han Jerome Lim -I brought my two your sons to watch Stars Wars
Andy Young Yes Stephen, in another movie ET, my elder son cried to tears with the last scene. PHONE HOME. It was at the Odeon too, this movie.
Marcus Lim This was before Bras Basah Complex wasn't it?
I remember watching Star Wars here with mum...
Andy Young Yes Star Wars Jerome and Marcus. And the theme song that's still being loved by fans; on a Saturday evening North Bridge Road is packed with people and traffic. Cheers :-)
Alvin Lam I believe Odeon was still around when Bras Basah Complex was around. Probably towards its twilight years. :-)
Andy Young Yes, the Odeon was still there. Love books so it was fun seeing a movie, then ambling along to the bookshops for a great selection of page turners. Thanks Alvin.
John Chee Kw I remembered that my aunt brought me there and there was a star wars toy display. The Mattel figurines were encased in a big dome. It sparked my interest in owning star wars collectibles. Thank you for bringing back the memories!❤️
CK Ong Angie Just had the famous Odean beef noodle for dinner ytd ...
Andy Young Yes John and Angie, I remember the special Star Wars lobby at the Odeon. It was exciting truly with the impressive figurines. Now I remember the beef noodles. It's cook with so much skill, the meat is tender and the aroma lingers. Thank you both.
Andy Young I must thank good friend Jerome for this FB train stop. I've never had 57 people on my personal site LIKING the posts. On the blog yes but FB not so many. Thank you all.
Odeon Theatre was the venue for Johnny Lion and the Jumping Jewels performances.It also staged the Early Bird show
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