Seating capacity: 600. Address: 31 Ap Lei Chau Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
The theatre started operating on April 25, 1953 and was named in Chinese only - likely 明園戲院 (meaning bright garden) and its Cantonese pronounciation would sound like Ming Yuen. On May 20, 1956 it was renamed Pearl Theatre and its Chinese name changed to 明珠戲院 (meaning bright pearl).
The theatre was closed some time in the late 1960s or early 1970s. For the purpose of this page, the closing date is estimated to be January 1970.
http://www.uwants.com/viewthread.php?tid=6337619&extra=&page=11 I came upon this page (Page11, Post #160) where one reader shares the fond memories of his childhood while growing up in Ap Lei Chau. It is a well-written piece for us who often pause to think of our own nostalgic past.
Sources:
- Cinema Treasures: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/27936
- Hong Kong Theatres Association Limited: http://hktaorg.com/en/cinemahistory.php