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It's the final reel for film fan Michael

21/12/2004

WHETHER leading the Fab Four to their dressing room or watching a 'Python' serve ice creams, Mick Faria reckons he's seen it all.

Rochdale Odeon's chief projectionist retires after Christmas but having showed 85,000 miles of film over his lifetime he will be leaving with many fond memories.

Yorkshire-born Mr Faria, aged 63, started his career in films at 15 after taking a temporary job as a projectionist and staying for eight years.

He later moved to the Odeon, Leeds, doing sound at big live shows for stars like Roy Orbison, Cilla Black and a well-known foursome.

"We had the Beatles in once," he said. "We were sat in the stalls and these four came in and asked us where the dressing room was. You can't imagine it now - these stars walking through the front door while the girls were screaming outside.

"You heard very little of the actual show because you had to turn the amps up to block the screaming."

He also witnessed some bizarre exploits during a 30-year stint at ABC Leeds, where he worked before moving to Rochdale.

"We did all sorts of premieres, including one where Jackie Chan threw himself from the balcony. Michael Palin was one of our funniest visitors. He sold tickets behind the cash desk and then ice cream in the auditorium."

He added: "Jimmy Saville was another regular. He'd ring beforehand insisting he didn't want any fuss and then appear in his Rolls Royce, with all his jewellery and a big cigar."

Mr Faria can recite nearly every line of some classic films - including one of his favourites, 'Blazing Saddles', and least favourite, 'Gone With the Wind'. But he still never gets tired of film and has even requested a widescreen TV and a DVD recorder as farewell presents.

Odeon manager Colin Alexander said Mr Faria will be sorely missed. He added: "He is a great projectionist and great fun to work with."

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