The projector lights up, the room is in darkness and we hear how the machinery begins to work. We stare at the big screen to immerse ourselves in a new story, "Niagara" (1953) Will the current promise of cinema, Marilyn Monroe, be worth it? Is it as captivating as they say? We don’t know Lights, camera, action! Let the show begin!

The Capitol is one of those illegal properties that has never gone unnoticed. Its origin dates back to 1873, when the Casino of Elche was founded by Luis Gonzaga Llorente, who also founded the first theatre in the city. Illustrious figures of the time, such as Pedro Ibarra, Ramón Lagier and José Revenga, gathered nearby, such as the large terrace. At the time it was a luxury building, because the nobility house of the Perpignan (on the medieval wall) was reused for its construction. However, these meetings and gatherings ended when in a riot in February 1936 they ended up burning and looting the place.

The building was abandoned until the 1940s, when the installation of a cinema was proposed, inaugurated in 1949. The Capitolio cinema was one of the most luxurious in Elche, hosting not only premieres of all kinds, but also theatrical performances, social events and musical performances, such as the outstanding recital of Montserrat Caballé, in addition to the concerts of the Society of Friends of Music.

The Pusol School Museum holds several pieces that have witnessed those years of cinema. Documentation as an advertising brochure illustrated with the poster of the film "Niagara" (1953) In technicolor! Along with a brief synopsis and detail of the main actors on its reverse. Although perhaps viewers prefer something more of the earth, such as "the divo of the song, Antonio Molina" "and "That voice is a mine" (1955). Or maybe they prefer something the caliber of "Ben-Hur" (1959), "the gigantic Metro Goldwyn Mayer!" , filmed on camera 65 (that is, with large screen format). Although, personally, I prefer "Braveheart" (1995) and his song to freedom. I’ll have to buy the ticket before there are long queues at the box office, in front of the big light sign that reads "Capitol".

However, the lights ended up going out, since in May 2003 it closed its doors, due to the rise of a new type of viewing (the DVD), the business crisis of the moment and the opening of the ABC cinemas of the C.C Aljub. Times and screens had changed.

After that, a well-known trade was made with the building, until now, which has come to the fore again. Personally, I have a predilection for returning to its cultural origins. It is a pity that you missed the time to go to the cinema, in the center of your city, have a drink and walk. With the current tendency to revitalize the center I think it would be an extra to have that magic again.

I hope the projector lights come back on.

Author: Rosa Antón González, historian and volunteer at the School Museum.

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Sources:

Professor Pedro Ibarra: www.elche.me.
Alicante Plaza: https://alicanteplaza.es/queda-mucho-para-ser-malaga.
Instagram Cultural Heritage of Elche (@patrimonioilicitano).