‘Magic’ Dragons?
In a previous blog about the Rex Cinema, our fans talked about dragons. Thanks to the helpful staff at the former cinema, we managed to take these pictures (see below).
These were taken from the balcony (now full of mattresses) of the former Rex Cinema. As you can see, the right hand dragon is ‘suffering’ due to the leak in the roof above it – if left unattended to, this beautiful wall-art will be ruined 
The lighting made it difficult to photograph, but somehow we managed. I’m sure there are some professionals out there who (with the proper camera and equipment) could do a better job – we’d be greatful for some better shots of these dragons, which we’d love to feature on our database.
My grandpa used to work behind the projectors. According to him these dragons are the guardians of the cinema. The owners always maintained the bulbs which represents the dragon’s eye. Not sure if it is true but grandpa once said that there was a time when one of the eyes fused and was not replaced for sometime, the same fate befell the owner. This is hearsay. Maybe someone can verify this story.
The last movie that I watched in Rex was “The Soong Sister” in 1997.
Fantastic to see that the dragons are still there – although not as happy as in previous days. Thanks to the photographer – it is so sad to see that they are so badly maintained and dreadful to think that their end is nigh.
Felicia, these are the dragons I told you about. Yes, glad to see them again, after such a long long time!
i wonder who is behind this masterpiece?
Ruth, since your late father designed Rex Cinema….would you happen to know who painted these dragons?
The dragons were on either sides of the screen. Is this a combination of two photos?
Too bad the building owner can’t afford to spare a little money to repair the roof.
I suppose there was a re-painting. I remember there was blue colour – might be on the background or the dragons. If I remember correctly, the dragon eyes were initially made of red light bulbs, but changed to bare light bulbs (the normal type with yellow glow) later.
The two photos are only put side by side to show you themm both. Taken from the balcony they are to the right and left of the screen as you describe quite high above the ground.. The walls are blue, pale and somewhat worn and the limited lighting distorts the colours a little.
To achieve good photos one would need a professional lighting kit and probably some ladders to get up to the right hat. Any volunteer photographers out there?
I understand the owner s are still Shae Brothers and the furniture shop has the lease. I have no idea which one is responsible for repairs under the lease contract, but it would be nice if the repairs were undertaken, but that costs money and like many other Ipoh buildings nobody is keen on spending for repairs.
Dear Ian, perhaps Ipohworld could, as a heritage organisation (an NGO?), write to Shaw Brothers to highlight the plight of the dragon. Repairing the leaking part should be a very, very cheap work for Shaw Brothres.