Biography of 'BENNELL, J.J.'
Exhibitor
Bennell’s name will always be associated with the famous ‘BB Pictures’ (Bright and Beautiful). He originated from Manchester, becoming a travelling salesman for Sidney Carter’s Pictures during the early 1900s, before deciding to enter into business on his own, choosing Scotland as his base. On the 23rd December 1907 Bennell opened Wellington Palace, Commercial Road, Glasgow as his first exhibition of Animated Pictures, and BB Pictures was launched.
A hallmark of the BB’s were his special sound effects from behind the screen, such as the use of car horns and coconut. He also read out dialogue from the side of the screen for the benefit of the audience. BB Pictures was soon to be hailed as a Glasgow favourite especially amongst children. Bennell extended his number of premises to include the Gaiety Theatre at Anderston Cross, Glasgow, the Palace and the Empire in Dundee, all in 1909 and later to Edinburgh, Airdrie, Perth and Greenock. His programmes, which he chose himself, were associated with quality, and film such as The Rent Collector and If Women Were Policemen were shown with additional explanatory notes by Bennell. He was also known for providing a good deal of variety to the shows he offered.
He was considered to have been one of the great initiators of the Saturday Matinee which attracted audiences of 2-3000 to his afternoon shows at Wellington Palace. The children’s performances began with singing the BB Pictures song:
"BB Pictures, they’re alright
Come and see them every night
We will sing with all our might
BB Pictures they’re alright".
Bennell also introduced a dividend scheme for children to allow them to build up ‘loyalty’ points and gain free tickets or gifts. On Christmas Day he would give out free medallion souvenirs to those children who attended, and free boots and socks to those who went to the Wellington Palace. Bennell was appointed as Chairman of the newly-formed Exhibitors Association of Glasgow and was a part founder of the Cinema Exhibitors Association (CEA).
Throughout his lifetime, Bennell demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm in the Scottish cinema circuits, providing support, time and money to the industry, and earned respect and recognition for his contributions. In 1911 he achieved recognition as the largest scale film exhibitor in Scotland. His career in the cinema industry was built within a course of only fifteen years, from 1907 when he established his first venue, to his death in December 1922.
Researcher: Julie McCrone
Films associated with 'COCOZZA, Enrico'
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FUNERAL OF THE GREAT LAFAYETTE, EDINBURGH [1620]Add to my filmsFuneral of the Great Lafayette at Piershill Cemetery, Edinburgh. A brass band leads the funeral procession behind the horse-drawn hearse. May 14, 1911. [See also ref. 1607]. |
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1911 silent bw |
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