CINEMA historians have put Times Past in the picture about Enfield's film background.

A fortnight ago we asked readers about the organ used at the grand old Empire, Edmonton.o

This week, Tony Moss, president of the Cinema Theatre Organisation and vice-president of the Cinema Organ Society, has revealed the history behind the Empire.

According to Mr Moss, the Empire was the first theatre to be built by the famous Bernstein family and their first venture into the world of entertainment.

Alexander Bernstein acquired a plot of land at New Road, Lower Edmonton, at the turn of the 20th century. His development, which included shops and a music hall which also showed films, opened for business in 1908.

Alexander's son, Sidney, inherited his father's business and took over the running of the Empire in 1922.

In October that year singer Marie Lloyd made her last appearance on the stage. She died two days later.

In 1927, the Empire closed for redecoration by Theodore Komisarjevsky, who was later responsible for the interior designs of Granada theatres. The Empire re-opened as a full time cinema with variety shows.

A two-manual Christie organ was installed which was made by a firm called Hill, Norman and Beard.

But the Christie was replaced in 1933 by a Wurlitzer with a "phantom" grand piano which was playable from the organ keyboards.

The Wurlitzer was given its debut performance by a man called Don Baker who was a famous Paramount organist.

In 1969 the Wurlitzer was removed from what had since been renamed Granada Edmonton and is now housed at the St Albans Organ Museum.

Last week, we said the Christie had found its way to South Wales.