Untitled

Entertainment
Our cinema modernisation programme continued to develop in
1970/71 , and the evidence is now visible tbroughout the country.
During the year we opened two twin cinemas and one triple,
as well as the ABC 1 and 2 in London's Shaftesbury Avenue
which have proved particularly successful. New triple cinemas
were also openeil at Romford in July and Luton in September.
A new dual , our ninth new complex , was opened at Basildon in
September. Three more projects are now under way.
The detailed study ofour 26O cinemas, which was mentioned in
last year's report, has now been completed. It has helped greatly
to determine the future needs ofthe industry in this country.
Our squash racquets facilities, now located in ten cIubs,
produced a considerable grorth in revenue during the year.
Sites for expansion are being investigated, and an interesting
innovation has been the introduction of a glass-walled court at
Walton-on-Thames so that matches can be televised.
Distribution Our UK distribution company, MGM-EMI Film
Distdbutors Limited, has had a very successful year. Our
overseas dietribution organisation, Anglo-EMI Film
Distributors Limited, is now operating more efficiently as a
result ofrationalisation carried out over the past two years.
Anglo-EMI, which is also our main film-making arm, has
recently strengthened its New York representation for the
important American market.
Increased wages and costs are a constant threat to margins.
However, a more effective marketing policy - anil, of course, our
modernised cinemas - have resulted in better profits from our
Testaurants, licensed premises and theatre sales,
1 Ke h Michell h.os recreated.
his succcssful teleuision rob in
Henry V III and hk Sir Wiues,
sn AnglcEMI productinn just
finished shootine at Elstree