The Western Times, Thursday, April 9th 1936
Friend of Film and Stage Stars.
Former South Devon Cinema Manager Dead.
Mr. T. Ashworth of Tedburn.
Friend of famous stage stars, champion of British Films, and known all over England and Scotland, Mr Thomas Ashworth of Causeway Cottage, Tedburn St Mary, formerly manager of the Empire Cineam, Ellacombe, Torquay, passed away in a Torquay nursing home on Friday.
Varied Career.
The son of the late Dr. and Mrs T. Ashworth of Harrogate, Yorks, had a varied career. He intended to become a medical practitioner, like his father, and he had passed most of the examinations when he ran away from home to join a touring repertory company. He rose from the position of understudy to chief comedian and later became a variety agent. This was in the days of the old time music halls.
During the course of his business Mr Ashworth became acquainted with many famous personalties, such as Marie Lloyd, Dan Leno, Little Tich, Fred Karno and Charlie Chaplin, with all of whom he was very popular on account of his genial personality.
On the outbreak of the war, although too old to join the forces he toured the country with a lantern lecture, describing scenes at the front, and with the birth of the film industry transferred his attention to cinemas.
Extensive Travel.
He became general manager of Wilkinson's Film Bureau, one of the pioneer film companies, and later was associated with Moss Empires, Film Booking Offices, and W. and F. Films Ltd. In this connexion he travelled extensively throughout Great Britain, and it was said he knew every town in England, Scotland and Wales.
During his residence in Cardiff he was Chairman of the Kinematograph Renters' Society and organised many functions in aid of film charities. He left Cardiff in 1921 and came to live at Tedburn St Mary near Exeter, travelling during the week and returning home at weekends.
In 1930 he became manager of the Empire Cinema, Ellacombe, Torquay, where he speedily established a reputation as a champion of British fims.
He retired from this position in 1934 on account of ill health and up to the time of his death had been practically bed-ridden for two years.
Fund of amusing stories.
A man of genial character, Mr Ashworth's large circle of friends included Gracie Fields, Stanley Lupino and the late Oscar Asche. He was well known in Torquay and in the film world, and had an inexhaustible fund of amusing stories about people he had met. He had often been told that if he had written a book of his experiences he would have made a fortune. He leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter.
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I've omitted one or two bits and pieces, but this is the gist of it.
Pels.
