The First

Cinema in Hong Kong
Some say it was Victoria New-Style Moving Picture Theatre which opened on 7 November 1907. Others say it was Bijou Scenic Theatre on Wyndham Street, which opened in 1910.

To Play a Sound Film
In a newspaper dated 6 November 1929, it was reported that “Queen's Theatre has put months of preparation and tens of thousands of dollars into this day. The phonograph is in place and ready to go, kicking off with the sound film, The Singing Fool, today. Shown together is a newsreel with sound from Shanghai”.

With Air-conditioning
Opened in March 1931, King's Theatre was the first air-conditioned theatre in Hong Kong. In June of the same year, cinema even had a “frozen” logo on it ad in the newspaper The China Mail. Queen’s Theatre, largest competitor of King's Theatre just across the street, did not have air-conditioning until two year later in July 1933.

The Most Number of

Reconstructions
The site on 380 Nathan Road is essentially a witness to every renovation of Po Hing Theatre. Already existed in the 1920s, the theatre was ordered to be torn down and rebuilt by the government due to its dilapidated state in 1928. Rebuilt for the second time in 1955, it was reopened in 1957 with the new English name, Astor Theatre, suitable for film shows as well as stage performances, the theatre was always packed and filled with happy memories. The fourth the around, it was turned into a multiplex inside a shopping mall in 1990.

Seats
In 1954, Kam Wa Theatre was built at the intersection of Canton Road and Pitt Street. With 2,080 seats it claimed the throne then. But when Paris Theatre opened for business at San Po Kong in 1966, it replaced Kam Wa Theatre as king with its 3,000 seats.

The Most Expensive

Lavish Architecture
Construction of Lee Theatre, located on Percival Street in Causeway Bay, was completed in early 1927. According to a report in Hong Kong Daily Press on 16 February, the project costs $600,000. 200 artisans were especially brought from Shanghai to complete this undertaking. The result was a 1,200 seat, multi-level cinema with a marble façade and Chinese décor interiors.

The Most Exceptional

Collective Closure
Cinemas are open all year round, even when typhoon signal no. 8 is hoisted, or even when SARS broke out, but there is an exception to every rule. When King George VI's funeral took place on 15 February 1952, all matinees were cancelled in mourning. Astor Theatre, Nan Yang Theatre, South China Theatre, Silver Theatre, Ruby Theatre and Sunbeam Theatre closed for a day on 10 September 1976, when the Former Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, passed away. On 17 March 1999, the local entertainment industry participated in an anti-piracy demonstration. Movie theatres Hong Kong-wide closed for the day to show their support.