The Electric Palace was Burton Latimer's own cinema. Established in 1914, the cinema was leased by two aspiring entrepreneurs in the early 20's. The following report appeared in the "Northampton Mercury" in May 1923.

"David Stutley, cinema proprieter, High Street, Burton Latimer. Liabilities £105 19s 8d.

Debtor said he was a boot and shoe operative, living in Northampton up to 1915 when he joined the Royal Field Artillery. He received a gratuity at the close of the war, and after periods of unemployment with Mr A. L. Jones, of Northampton, embarked upon the venture of a cinema at Burton Latimer. Mr Jones was also a boot and shoe operative and out of work. Neither of them had had any experience of the cinema, but thought there was money to be made out of it.

They therefore took over the tenancy of the Electric Palace at Burton Latimer at a rent of £200, and an additional £44 for the stock, which was paid between them. The first month or two was very successful, but in May 1922, owing to the depression in the boot trade and clothing trade the business began to fall away. They discharged the staff and opened only four nights a week up to September, eventually closing down the following Feburary. The partnership was then dissolved, but the debtor at the request of the landlord of the premises carried on at a rental of £2 a week.

The venture was highly speculative, but it was because they had nothing to do. His partner, added debtor, was his brother-in-law. Debtor disagreed that a contributory cause of his failure was want of knowledge, but it would have been wiser not to have embarked on it. He carried on because he thought things would brighten up, and fully expected relief from the Budget this year in connection with the entertainments tax. The case was adjourned until June 12th."

The cinema was soon taken over by Alfred watts of Finedon, who owned two other cinemas locally.

To read more on the history of the Electric Palace, click here