Cinema in Cham: Memories of the Highlight with Heesters and Co.

Von WOM

In a nostalgic journey through the history of the cinema in Cham in Cham, city archivist Timo Bullemer on Tuesday in the Cordonhaus the exciting development of the film from its beginnings to the heyday in the 1940s to 1950s. The event attracted an interested audience, especially older residents who remembered the golden times of cinema, in which personalities like Hans Moser and Johannes Heesters were present in Cham and enchanted the spectators with their charm.

Bullemer presented a variety of fascinating stories as well as historical photos and documents that documented the change in the cinema. At the beginning, the film medium was perceived as a kind of curiosity. In the 19th century, the first film screenings often took place at fairs, where showmen presented both the "Laterna Magica" and the Bioscop. These early demonstrations attracted spectators who were inspired by simple effects, which was a completely new experience at the time. In 1899 the first cinema performance took place in Cham in the hall of the Gasthaus Jesuits, which gave an impression of the cinematic entertainment, which was previously only seen in larger cities such as Munich and Nuremberg.

The film industry blossomed

over time, the claims of the audience grew, and the film screenings moved to better equipped rooms. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first cinema operators began to find their place in Cham. Michael Wittmann opened a large event hall in 1908, while his successors launched the "Chamer Lights" and the "World Cinema". The demonstrations of the films were accompanied by live music, and the cinema experienced an establishment as a significant form of entertainment. One turning point was the debut of the sound film on October 31, 1930 with the film "Atlantic", followed by the introduction of the color film 1939. During this time, the cinema began not only as a place of entertainment, but also as an instrument of influencing during the Nazi era.

The popularity of the cinema continued in Cham. In 1940 the conversion of the "Cham Light Games" started, and from 1950 the "city light games" was opened in the Hotel Greß. These changing venues offered a variety of films, including classics such as "The Blue Angel" with Marlene Dietrich and "Long live love" with Johannes Heesters.

But the cinema was more than just a pleasure; It was a place of cultural expressiveness. Bullemer emphasized that films in Cham not only offered entertainment, but also allowed a unique view of local stories and events. Films like "The Bridge" were shot on site and offered an insight into the region, while actors who appeared in Cham left unforgettable memories.

The evening illustrated the change of cinema from a modest leisure fun towards a cultural phenomenon that brought people together in Cham for years. Timo Bullem not only gave the audience information about the history of the cinema, but also raised memories of a time when the cinema was an indispensable part of life and brought people not only to consumption, but also brought together a common experience. For many present, this was an opportunity to remind you and to celebrate the relevance of the cinema in the cultural memory of Cham.

As Bullemer finally stated, the cinema is significantly different today, characterized by streaming services and modern entertainment. It remains to be seen how the current technologies will continue to change the cinema experience in the future, but the roots and the history of cinematography in Cham will always have a special place in the heart of the city dwellers.