Maurice
Maurice Cheepen was the man who created ‘Stepney’s Luxurious Troxy’, one of the most affectionately remembered cinemas in London. A Jewish immigrant from Nazi Germany, Cheepen made sure to show from the outset that the venue was a cut above the rest. Maurice was a flamboyant manager and a born showman, who got up to tons of publicity stunts to promote new films: a horse-drawn pumpkin coach to advertise Cinderella and a man dressed as a vampire to walk around the East End handing out leaflets for Dracula were all part of his box of tricks.
From The London Gazette, 5 April, 1935:
LIST of ALIENS to whom Certificates of Naturalization have been granted by the Secretary of State, and whose Oaths of Allegiance have been registered in the Home Office during the month of March, 1935. The date shown in each case is the date on which the Oath of Allegiance was taken.
Cheepen, Morris (known as Maurice Cheepen); No Nationality; Cinema Manager;
26, Rowhill Mansions, Clapton, E.5. 6 March, 1935.