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This blue commemorative plaque records: This building opened in 1910 as a silent film cinema, the Newbury Picture Palace, closing in 1934. This plaque celebrates the career of the prolific film star Stewart Rome (1886-1965) born Septimus William Ryott in Newbury, the son of an auctioneer. He is credited with over 150 films and has been described as the first real star of British cinema. Starting in the silent movie era in 1912, he was a national celebrity by 1916 and was at the height of his fame in the 1920s. He successfully made the transition to the talkies and continued working into the 1950s, retiring to live in Newbury. Recorded plaque organisation: Newbury Town Council, Newbury Society.
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