On the evening of January 17, the newly established Reo cinema in Old Harbour, orchestrated by Mr. Stanley Vaz, J.P., celebrated its grand opening with a large and eager crowd. Beginning at 6 p.m., a continuous stream of patrons flocked to the ticket office until 8 o'clock, when Mr. G.C. Gunter, the Commissioner administering the affairs of St. Catherine parish, accompanied by Mr. Ivan Vaz, officially declared the entertainment center open.

Published Tuesday January 23, 1951

Hundreds of first nighters at new  Old Harbour cinema

The new Reo cinema created at Old Harbour by Mr Stanley Vaz., J.P., was opened on Wednesday night January 17.

From 6 p.m., a large crowd assembled, and when the ticket office was open to the public, there was a continuous stream of patrons until 8 o’clock when Mr. G.C. Gunter, Commissioner administering the affairs of the parish of St. Catherine, led by Mr. Ivan Vaz, declared the entertainment centre opened.

Mr. Ivan Vaz, addressing the audience, said briefly that he wanted to say two things: “The some 300 picture-goers seated there might want to know why I am up here speaking and not my brother, Mr. Stanley Vaz, the owner.

“Well, some time back, there was an agreement entered into between us, Stanley would build places, and I would make the speeches,” he said.

He also wanted to extend to all present a warm welcome from the staff, who hoped that at the end of the show, all the patrons would be satisfied.

Mr. Gunter thanked the management for extending him an invitation to be present at the opening of the theatre. Mr. Gunter, among other things, pointed to the social service that a theatre can render to the community apart from the aspect of profit.

The feature presentation for the evening was “Annie Get Your Gun”, which evoked peals of laughter throughout the show.

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