Le Cinematescope de C. W. Locke (Music Hall, 1^er octobre 1896)

Depuis le mois d'août 1896, David Devant, le célèbre magicien, a organisé une entreprise afin de distribuer et présenter des films en Grande-Bretagne. Une tournée a été mise en place dans le nord du pays et en Écosse. Même si le nom de C. W. Locke n'apparaît pas dans la presse, c'est bien lui qui est responsable des projections puisque le lendemain à Brechin c'est lui qui est aux manettes. Douglas Beaufort, le prestidigitateur, est également dans le spectacle. À Peterhead, la soirée a lieu le 1^er octobre 1896, au Music Hall de la ville :

Animated Photographs. —ln the Music Hall on Thursday evening the Peterhead public had the pleasure of listening entertainment of an altogether novel and most delightful character. By arrangement with Mr David Devant, of the Egyptian Hall, London, Messrs Marr, Wood, Co. introduced for the first time in the north that most wonderful invention, thee Cinematescope, which reproduces on canvas screen scenes from everyday life, scenes from the play, etc., with all the actual movements of real life. The first part of the entertainment consisted of a number of conjuring and sleight of hand feats by Mr Duoglas [sic] Beaufort, who has had the honour of appearing before His Imperial and Shereefian Highness in Morocco. Mr Beaufort's marvellous manipulative skill in various conjuring feats was highly appreciated by the large audience which completely filled the hall. His ready and refined wit served to enliven this part of the entertainment, while his musical and ventriloquial sketches, in the former of which he introduced songs by Mr G. Grossmith, and the late Corney Grain, were inimitable, and were enthusiastically applauded by the audience. The animated photographs were hailed with enthusiastic cheering, which was renewed as each succeeding scene passed from the screen. The selection included—Arrival of Paris express, the serpentine dance, cycling in Hyde Park, Westminster Bridge, Coronation of the Czar, etc. It is safe to say that from first to last there was never a dull moment any part of the all too short entertainment.

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Peterhead Sentinel and General Advertiser for Buchan District, 6 octobre 1896, p. 5.

L'appareil nommé Cinematescope est en réalité l'un des projecteurs de R. W. Paul dont David Devant a fait l'acquisition et que C. W. Locke exploite pour son compte.