SCALA CINEMA/ TEMPERANCE HALL

[rhodfa]

I spent many a happy hour in the Scala,Methyr's very own flea pit.

Great memories of seeing "The Jungle Book" in 1968 "The Batman"film with Adam West and many re-runs of the Carry On films.

When I was a kid the cinema was managed by a Mr Shears and the projectionist was called Dyvvo.

The cinema was taken in over by a chap called Derek Cooper he also managed Studio One and Two formerly the Castle.

In fairness to him the man did his best to get bums on seats in those pre multiplex days. Mr Cooper tried to bring back variety and put on a live show starring Tommy Trinder who was well past his sell by date and unkown to my generation.He also presented a live show with an early Elvis impersonator called The Amazing Rupert.

Not long after the Scala closed its doors as a cinema, I personally loved its grotty charm and I am sure that many members of this forum did as well.

[ken]

Is Dyvvo Davis still alive???
Ken in OZ

[rhodfa]

I thought that Dyvvo had passed on, but not a hundred per cent sure.

[rhodfa]

It was before my time but we musnt forget that Pat Phoenix (Coronations Street's Elsie Tanner) trod the boards at the Temperance Hall during her theatrical rep days.

Am I right in saying there is photographic evidence of her time in Merthyr in the station cafe?

[TonyC]

I remember Dwyvor Davies from school (Gelli) he was a few classes above me.
When I left school, one of the places that they sent me to look for a job was the Theatre Royal, and Dwyvor was the projectionist, I remember it well, as "Psycho" was showing.