Capitol Theatre, later known as Capitol Cinema, located at the junction of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, is of neo-classical architecture. It was completed in 1930 and served as a theatre until the 1940s when the Shaw Organisation turned it into a cinema. The adjacent four-storey building was completed in 1933.
Early History
The Namazie brothers, a Persian family, built the Capitol Theatre and the accompanying four-storey building. It sits on the site of the 19th century Dutch Hotel, Van Wyke. Designed by the Shanghai-based Keys and Dowdeswell, the building is a landmark in the Civic and Cultural district. Its neo-classic colonnades and wide overhang lend a glorious charm to this beautiful building.
The theatre opened on 22 May 1930 with the screening of the film Rio Rita. Prior to 1946, it was also a venue for cabaret performances. In the 1930s, Joe and Julius Fisher conceived the Mickey Mouse Club at the Capitol. It became a hangout for teenagers during weekends, as they could flash their Mickey Mouse badges for a 25-cent admission fee at the matinee.
Japanese Occupation
During the Japanese Occupation, the building was used by the Japanese troops as a food depot. It screened films under the name Kyo-Ei Gekkyo until anti-Japanese resistance damaged the building with a bomb in 1944.
Cinema History
Shaw Organisation, a cinema giant of the time, bought over the building for S$3 million in 1946 and the theatre became its flagship. The 1950s saw the introduction of the Capitol Restaurant that housed the Blue Room, a function room which served as a refuge for local bands. An American band led by Danny Danford performed for its opening. The famous zodiac mosaic on the high ceiling of the dome interior was installed in the mid-1960s. The pair of maidens on white unicorns added to the beauty of Capitol Cinema. This became the legendary symbols of the cinema.
Cinema-goers of the time frequented the Capitol Cinema for dates and social gatherings. Apart from catching a movie, they also enjoyed a variety of performances. Foreign and local entertainers often unleashed their performances before movies were screened. At other times, these performances took over the film screenings. The Magnolia Snack Bar was the answer to filmgoers who looked to satisfying their taste buds. Serving tasty milkshakes and delicious set lunches, this café has shared the glory of the old cinema.
Redevelopment
The cinema itself was colossal with 1,686 seats. The massive screen towered between the two floors of the cinema. In 1984, Capitol Cinema was earmarked for urban redevelopment. Even then, Shaw Organisation managed to operate on a temporary license. The cinema and the adjacent building were relaunched as Capitol Building (formerly Shaw Building) in 1992, after a three-year spruce-up at a cost of S$11 million. However, the elegant building returned to the government after the movie Soldier, starring Kirk Russell, was screened on 29 December 1998. The 9.15pm show, Capitol's last, was attended by about 500 people. Some say, in this age of multiplex cinemas, Capitol was the last of the single-hall, large-screen theatres.
Authors
Renuka M. & Rakunathan Narayanan
References
Allen, P. (2001, August 4). Silent landmarks. The Straits Times, Home, p. 5.
Capitol cinema acquired by govt in 1987 . (1996, January 22). The Straits Times, p. 26.
Capitol Theatre to release outstanding films . (1930, May 22). The Straits Times, Home, p.18. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from NewspaperSG database.
Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1988). Singapore: A guide to buildings, streets, places. Singapore: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 EDW]
Get For Me Singapore. (1999-2006). Capitol Cinema. Retrieved November 4, 2003, from www.getforme.com/whatsgone_places_CapitolCinema.htm
Hong, L. T. (1992, May 1). Shaw Building relaunched and renamed Capitol Building. The Business Times, p. 22.
Lee, K. L. (1998, December 31). My fond memories of Capitol. The Straits Times.
"Sea breezes" at the Capitol . (1930, April 29). The Straits Times, Home, p.19. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from NewspaperSG database.
So sad, but that's reel life . (1999, January 8). The Straits Times, Life!
Tay, K. (1998, December 25). Goodbye, Capitol. The Straits Times, Home, p. 3.
Teo, G. ( 1998, December 30). Curtains fall at Capitol Cinema. The Straits Times, Home, p. 22.
The Capitol . (1929, August 9). The Straits Times, Home, p.12. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from NewspaperSG database.
Today's opening of the Capitol Theatre. (1930, May 22). The Straits Times, Home, p.16. Retrieved September 22, 2009, from NewspaperSG database.
Umi Devi, G., et al. (2002). Singapore's 100 historic places. Singapore: Archipelago Press.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 SIN)
The information in this article is valid as at 2009 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.
