HACKNEY'S FAVOURITE FILM

After attracting hundreds of entries, Hackney's Favourite Film competition has now come to an end. The most popular films included SOME LIKE IT HOT, PULP FICTION, and 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. But they faced competition as voters selected a huge variety of films including TRAINSPOTTING, PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE, REAR WINDOW, MIRROR, LA HAINE, and DON'T LOOK NOW. The full list of films selected will be displayed here shortly.

But there can only be one winner and we can reveal that the film that attracted the most votes is BLADE RUNNER. By happy coincidence the end of November saw the release of the 'Final Cut' of Ridley Scott’s masterpiece. While the plot may remain the same, the film has been restored and remastered, enhancing the spectacular special effects of this sci-fi classic. To celebrate, the Rio will be screening BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT for one week from the 14th December. If you voted in this competition, you will be emailed a voucher enabling you to purchase a discounted ticket to see the film at any of the week’s performances. If you voted but did not leave an email address, please contact Jemma on 020 7241 9419 or jemma@riocinema.org.uk, who can provide further details. We are also delighted to reveal the winners of our competition: 1st prize: Francis Loney, 2nd prize: Dov Petlock and 3rd prize: Maeve Byrne. Bryan Darragh, Monica Blake and Mr P Poulton were runners-up, and each will receive a DVD of THE LIVES OF OTHERS, courtesy of Lionsgate.

Hackney’s Favourite film runners-up were: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, SOME LIKE IT HOT, GONE WITH THE WIND, PULP FICTION, APOCALYPSE NOW, LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS, DR STRANGELOVE, LIFE OF BRIAN, NORTH BY NORTHWEST and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY.

70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

• Wednesday 12 and Saturday 15 December

The Rio Cinema is delighted to present two special matinee events celebrating the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Rio’s building in its present form on 18 December 1937. Both feature a repeat performance of the programme of films shown on that day: The Live Ghost (U) with Laurel and Hardy + The Spectacle Maker (U) + Boys Will Be Boys (U) starring Will Hay. The Wed 12 Dec 2.30 show is free for the Over 60’s and the Sat 15 Dec 1.15 show is free for Friends of the Rio. Admission for everyone else will be at our usual matinee prices of £6/£5 Concessions & Under 15’s.are also welcome. Both screenings will feature seasonal treats and surprises.

On 18 December, 1937, a “super cinema in miniature” opened in Dalston. A fanfare from buglers of the 5th (Hackney) Battalion, the Royal Berkshire Regiment announced the opening of the Dalston Classic, in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Hackney and with guest appearances from the film star Garry Marsh (SCROOGE) and starlet Evelyn Ankers (THE WOLF MAN). Every one of the nearly 600 people present received a gift; watches for the men and flapjacks (as powder compacts seem to have been known in those days) for the women. With its Art Deco interior and the latest projection, sound and ventilation systems, the Classic replaced the Kingsland Empire, which had stood on the site for more than 20 years but no longer met London County Council health and safety requirements.

Over the following years, the Classic changed hands several times but is still standing as Hackney's last remaining cinema, better known since 1979 as the Rio. Though extensively refurbished in 1999, it retains all the Art Deco charm of the original and is Grade II listed by English Heritage.

RIO GIFTS

Gift vouchers for a value of your choice (minimum £10), Friends’ membership (£20 single, £35 joint) or a Season ticket (£30) can be purchased from the Box Office or by post.

With the festive season fast approaching, now is the time to think about those Christmas presents. Rio Friends membership is the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys the cinema. They'll receive all the benefits (see below), including 2 complimentary tickets and discounts at the Rio for 12 months. To buy someone Friends membership, please pick up a form from the Box Office. Alternatively, for something extra special for a friend, relation or yourself, you can name a seat at the Rio. For £100 a special plaque will be attached to the seat with the name of your choice, and you will know that you will be supporting the Rio. To name your seat, please pick up a form from the Box Office.

CHOOSE A LATE NIGHT SHOW

Fancy screening a film of your choice at the Rio on a Friday or Saturday night? Friends of the Rio can select a film of their choice (subject to availability) for a Friday or Saturday late night show (around 11.30pm) on a date of their choice. The cost is £275 (including VAT) which includes admission for up to 50 guests. The screening will also be open to the public, at our regular late night admission price of £6.50. Other options, including double bills and private screenings are also possible. For further details contact Charles at charles@riocinema.org.uk or on 7241 9415.

RIO E-NEWSLETTER

If you would like to receive regular news from the Rio, please complete a form in the foyer or send an e-mail with subscribe in the subject to enews@riocinema.org.uk

NEXT PROGRAMME E-MAIL INFO

If you would like to receive details of the first weeks of the next programme by e-mail before our website is updated, please send an e-mail with subscribe in the subject to: prog@riocinema.org.uk

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