There was a time when, at intermission, an usherette offered eskimos and chocolates… Discover how chocolate and cinema forged links in Perpignan, notably with the opening of the “L'Apollo” cinema in 1909!
In Perpignan, on December 29, 1909, chocolate and cinema united in a surprising way. While the Eldorado is limited to film screenings, the Poulain chocolate company inaugurates “L'Apollo” at the entrance to the Promenade des plane trees. This cinema is not an isolated case; Poulain, already famous for his educational images, innovated by slipping “freebies” into his tablets, offering half-price entries to attract the public.
The Apollo, directed by Mr. Marty, can accommodate up to 1,400 spectators. Built from planks, it is heated by two stoves and equipped with an “elgéphone”, future “chronophone”, which synchronizes the singers' voices with the images. On display, popular films like the adventures of Calino, as well as landmark works like “The Assassination of the Duke of Guise” and captivating documentaries.
This alliance between chocolate and cinema during the Belle Époque bears witness to a time when each screening was a celebration, mixing flavors and emotions. Ready to dive into this delicious story?
