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A few of Shanghai’s old theaters remain
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GRAND Theatre
In People’s Square, the Grand Theater still stands as one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in Shanghai.
It also has an interesting history. The original building, constructed in 1928, immediately screened a US film that featured derogatory references to the Chinese, inspiring anger throughout the city. Later the cinema was sold to Lu Geng, a founder of the United Movies Co, who had the building demolished and asked the famous Hungarian architect Laszlo Hudec to design a replacement movie house for the site. When the cinema reopened in 1933, Mei Lanfang, the most famous female impersonator in Peking Opera, was among the guests to partake in the ribbon cutting.
With its dazzling design, modern facilities and air conditioning, the Grand Theater was soon being hailed as the best cinema in Asia. Most of the movies screened at the cinema in the 1930s were American or European films, and to watch a movie there cost five times the amount an average family needed to live on for a month. There were ushers in uniforms and top hat to welcome audiences in the foyer.
It was the first cinema in Shanghai to offer simultaneous translation for foreign films, and it boasted the city’s first wide screen.
The building was renovated in 2008, keeping its art deco veneer and adding auditoriums.
Address: 216 Nanjing Rd W.
Cathay Theater
Opened on downtown Huahai Road M. in 1930, this art deco cinema began screening films in 1932. The main building is made of concrete and garnet red tiles and has an elegant style.
Initially it could accommodate 1,081 people. It has hosted celebrity customers including Eileen Chang, the renowned Shanghai author, who mentions the cinema in some of her writings.
Address: 870 Huaihai Rd M.
Hengshan Cinema
Hengshan Cinema was the first movie theater built in Shanghai after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Standing on Hengshan Road facing Xujiahui Park, it was first approved by Mayor Chen Yi and built in 1951 with investments from government, banks, factories and private citizens. The cinema features a French design and courtyard décor and is also known as the Garden Theater.
In 2009, the cinema was renovated into a new-look with three screens and reopened in 2010.
Address: 838 Hengshan Rd
(Compiled by Qu Zhi)
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