'We'll need all the support we can get': cinema owner's plea to Calderdale public

A cinema owner has made an emotional plea to the Calderdale public to reinvest in independent picture houses.
Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in EllandCharles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland
Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland

Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland, spoke about his devastation after being forced to shut, but confirmed he now plans to reopen next month.

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He said: "It was devastating having tell my staff at my cinemas they were to be furloughed.

Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in EllandCharles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland
Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland
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"But I'm looking to August now to reopen because all the major new releases have been postponed until next month.

"Just before lockdown, we were set to show the new James Bond film No Time To Die, and Disney Pixar's Onward.

"With these types of films still being postponed, which bring in the crowds, I don't see any point in opening just yet."

Mr Morris spoke about his thoughts on the film industry during lockdown.

The Rex Cinema was established in 1988 by Mr MorrisThe Rex Cinema was established in 1988 by Mr Morris
The Rex Cinema was established in 1988 by Mr Morris
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"It's been difficult during lockdown, but I run a tight ship at my cinemas and I was able to get the £10,000 business grant from the government for each of my cinemas, apart from the Roxy in Ulverston, but I had an arrangement with my landlord - so there wasn't really an issue there," said Mr Morris.

"But the Rex is my favourite because it was the first one I bought way back in 1988.

"That's why my message to the people of Elland, Halifax and others within Calderdale is cinema-goers are needed more than ever.

"We'll need all the support we can get.

Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in EllandCharles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland
Charles Morris, who owns Rex Cinema, in Elland

"Classic style cinemas are part of our heritage, and it would be a shame to see them disappear."

Mr Morris said he is now working with the managers at each cinema to create seating arrangements to abide by Government safety measures.