PLAZA
Springs
Springs
CINEMA
SOUVENIRS
SOUVENIRS
The South African representative of 20th Century Fox, Mr. Lomba, was responsible for the
design and completion of the very modern and attractive Plaza Cinema in Springs during
the early 1950s. The photo above shows the exterior of the cinema in 1964 during the run
of The Beatles movie, 'A Hard Days Night'.
design and completion of the very modern and attractive Plaza Cinema in Springs during
the early 1950s. The photo above shows the exterior of the cinema in 1964 during the run
of The Beatles movie, 'A Hard Days Night'.
The Plaza was a stadium-type cinema with a seating capacity of 1027. The
giant screen was close to 60 feet in width and 30 feet in height during the
presentation of a Cinemascope film. The proscenium arch sported a red
velvet festoon curtain and gold satin screen tabs.The photo below shows the
well-appointed confectionery counter in the foyer of the Plaza
giant screen was close to 60 feet in width and 30 feet in height during the
presentation of a Cinemascope film. The proscenium arch sported a red
velvet festoon curtain and gold satin screen tabs.The photo below shows the
well-appointed confectionery counter in the foyer of the Plaza
During the 1960s it was quite the vogue to feature up-and-coming South African pop bands as
added stage attractions at cinemas. The Plaza was no exception and the photos above show 'The
Staccatos' on stage in 1964.
added stage attractions at cinemas. The Plaza was no exception and the photos above show 'The
Staccatos' on stage in 1964.
Photo on the left shows Frederik
Burgers on stage. One of the
prestigious annual events at the Plaza
was the 'Mayoral Evening' when the
mayor and his councillers were
treated to a movie show at the cinema.
The photo below was taken in 1964
during this glittering occasion when
the Elizabeth Taylor epic 'Cleopatra'
was shown.
Burgers on stage. One of the
prestigious annual events at the Plaza
was the 'Mayoral Evening' when the
mayor and his councillers were
treated to a movie show at the cinema.
The photo below was taken in 1964
during this glittering occasion when
the Elizabeth Taylor epic 'Cleopatra'
was shown.
The Plaza was closed in the early 1980s after having been converted into a twin
complex by Ster-Kinekor. The premises is currently leased to a local church group
complex by Ster-Kinekor. The premises is currently leased to a local church group
Well-known South African movie star Frederik Burgers made a special appearance
on the opening night of his movie 'Piet Se Niggie' at the Plaza in 1964. Here he is
welcomed by the manager, John Ferreira
on the opening night of his movie 'Piet Se Niggie' at the Plaza in 1964. Here he is
welcomed by the manager, John Ferreira
