The Palace Union Street

[hilldweller]

All this talk of cinemas reminds me of my cousin Jack who used to sing on the clubs & liners using the name Martin Brand.

Sadly he passed away a few years ago.

He told me that he was walking along Union Street one day in the 1960's when he noticed that the Palace Cinema was in the early stages of demolition. One of the doors was open so he popped in for a look around. On the landing wall outside the projection box was a painted notice that amused him.

It said something like:-

In case of fire do not use the word fire in case this causes panic. Instead spread the word among staff by using the following phrase. "There is a smell on the landing"

And so if you ever hear an usherette using those words in a cinema it might be a good idea to make a quick but orderly exit !

Perhaps our ex cinema staff posters could tell us if this was in general use ?

HD

[Guest abcman]

The fire alarm used in ABC Cinemas was the words 'Mr Sands' and the fire record to be played was believe it or not - 'Blaze Away'.

[RichardB]

The fire alarm used in ABC Cinemas was the words 'Mr Sands' and the fire record to be played was believe it or not - 'Blaze Away'.

Nice one abcman; what year are we talking here please ?

[Guest abcman]

Well, I was with ABC from 1968 till 1987 and it was in use then.