African Theatres Trust
In 1911 Africa's Amalgamated Theatres was established and in 1912 Edgar Hyman established the Empire Theatres Company (Empire Theatres Company (South Africa) Ltd.
In 1913 Isidore W. Schlesinger bought both Empire Theatres and Africa's Amalgamated Theatres and several other companies and thereby formed the African Theatres Trust Ltd on 10 April 1913.
He also formed African Films Trust, a film importing and distributing agency.
Founded as African Theatres Trust in 1913 by I.W. Schlesinger and A.H. Stodel (Harry Stodel), with the intention of saving the ailing theatre industry by organizing it nationwide. By pooling their resources they gained control of theatres and cinema halls across the country, and set about bringing out dramatic, musical and pantomime companies to tour their circuit.
Eventually this empire grew to encompass the mighty cinema industry as well and was renamed African Consolidated Theatres.
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