The films shown would depend on the  cinema and what film circuit it was under. New films were released in what was called first runs or first release , these would generally go out to the larger circuit of cinemas first,usually  in town centres before being released to surburban cinemas in what would be called the second run or second release, this could sometimes be weeks or months later.

Films were also re – released, often years after their initial showing in cinemas, but as film programmes changed so frequently and often more than one film would be shown within the weekly program, a chance to see a film again was popular with cinema goers.

The smaller cinema circuits and independent cinemas often struggled to get first or even second run films but as cinema going was such a popular pastime  a screening of a re-release  would be well attended.

Here we have an original copy of a Cinema programme from  Bootle Odeon  June 1963. in the programme there were two re-releases from 1954 , ‘Ulysees’ and ‘Atilla the Hun’, both films were described as ‘Sword and Sandals’ films, but were still popular with audiences almost nine years after original first release.

.

Although by this time television in the home had become more popular, we can see from this  cinema programme that the showing of older films or re releases was still common place. Notice that the first double programme of the month were two re releases;  ’Witness For The Prosecution’ from 1957 and ‘The Far Country’  from 1954.

The biblical epic ‘Barabbas’  from 1962 was at the time on general release.

The ‘X’ rated main feature ‘Grip of Fear ‘ states underneath ‘Adults only’

Notice that two of the supporting features were re releases;  ’Operation Mad Ball,’ 1957, and ’3 Coins in a Fountain,’ 1954 and were abridged versions. This means that the film had been edited or condensed to fit in with the timings of the main feature and other film screenings.

Below is a scanned copy of a  flyer handed out to cinemagoers advertising  films from March 1961. The films showing in the cinema at that time were ’Cape Fear,’ the main attraction and also  ‘Danger by my Side’. This flyer was distributed at the Bootle Gaumont Cinema and has been stored for over 50 years.

The film ‘Cape Fear’ starred Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum, and was subsequently remade in 1991, starring Robert DeNiro and Nick Nolte.

The original film received an ‘X’certificate on release but it is regularly shown on television, however on the film’s DVD release it was given a 15 certificate.

The Gainsborough, opened in 1922 and was named after the famous painter Thomas Gainsborough. It was built almost directly opposite The Picture House of Bootle and helped bring about its closure.

The Gainsborough had a seating capacity of 1300 and was perceived at the time to be the finest cinema in the suburbs, with its graceful structure and decoration.

The proceeds from the opening programme on 18th May 1922 were donated to the Mayors Unemployment fund. Amongst the first films shown at the Gainsborough were D.W.Griffith’s masterpiece ‘The Love Flower’ with Carol Dempster and Richard Barthelmess. The cinema also had an orchestra this was retained longer than most cinemas in the area as the cinema was not equipped for sound until August 1930.

The Gainsborough was part of the ABC Circuit and ran popular children’s cinema matinees through the 30′s to 1960. They would often have talent and variety shows laid on for the children to support the film program and competitions such as fancy dress and singing.

The cinema had voluntary child cinema monitors who would help out at the children’s cinema matinees. Each child monitor would be in charge of a few rows of cinema seats and their job was to maintain cleanliness and order

Despite growing competition from other local cinemas, the Gainsborough remained a successful cinema until the late 1950’s. As with lots of cinemas at this time the increase of televisions in the home and increase of leisure activities spelt its demise and on 12th November 1960 the Gainsborough closed its doors as a cinema and showed its last films – ‘The Bellboy’ featuring Jerry Lewis and ‘Tarzan The Magnificent’.

The building was then acquired by Mecca Ltd and was converted into a Bingo Hall which was popular until the 1980’s.

Local people have mentioned that when the building was being demolished the ornate features from the building were put into storage, the whereabouts of these are unknown. On the site today is an extension of the car show rooms.

Explore posts related to this cinema

The Picture Palace of Bootle / Empire Picture Theatre was on Knowsley Road Bootle and as other picture houses we have looked at through the project was not built as a purpose built cinema. The building was built as Bootle Institute in 1882 and the buildings date plate can be seen engraved at the top of the building still today.

It began showing moving images from 1908 when it was converted into a small stadium like cinema with seats for about 300. When it was opened on November 18th 1908 adverts in the local newspapers described it as showing “45 miles of film nightly!” Admission prices were 1/-, 6d and 3d with reduced prices for early doors of 8d and 4d.

The Picture Palace held film show matinees for children on Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm with prices of 1d and 2 d.

The name was changed in 1912 to The Empire Picture Theatre and was a popular venue despite local competition from other nearby picture houses. It wasn’t until The Gainsborough Cinema was opened almost directly opposite that the decline of The Empire came about.

Following closure as a cinema it was converted into a dance hall in 1922 and named The Palais de Dance. Over the years it has had several further changes of use including Bootle trades and Labour club and Knowsley Social Club.

Today the building still stands and is currently trading as Bootle Labour Club.

Explore posts related to this cinema

In 1911 it was acquired by George Prince who was a bit of a local cinema pioneer and also managed the Sun Hall on Stanley Road. He changed the name to the New Princes Theatre with films forming the main attraction. The opening was on 19th August 1912.

In 1921 it became the Strand cinema and in the local press instead of advertising the film showing they would have advertisements saying “What’s the Picture ? Come and see, be surprised and delighted”

The Cinema was known locally by some as “The Ranch” as it always seemed to be showing cowboy films.

Entry to the popular children’s cinema matinee shows could be gained by exchanging an empty jam jar or two.

The cinema closed on December 26th 1947 and became used a warehouse.

The building was later destroyed by fire in 1954. The site now stands empty.

Below image of how the site of the old Picture House stands today

Explore posts related to this cinema

It held 1000 seats and had eight exits which meant the building could be emptied and turned around for the next cinema show within minutes.

The Palace was also the first Cinema in the area to be equipped for showing sound films following the introduction of the ‘Talkies’. It was also the first to show Cinemascope having alterations for the new technology implemented in 1954.

The Palace closed in 1958 and the building was redeveloped and used as Bootle Social Centre.

The building has since been demolished and now on its site stands the new building – Bootle Medical Centre.

Explore posts related to this cinema

Reporting on it’s opening, It was described in the local press as having “40 Miles of pictures… with talking pictures”. By 1911 it had become a permanent home for cinema.

In 1931 it became The Imperial and was restructured and redecorated. Although competition from other cinemas in the area was great from the 1930’s onwards, the Imperial often had ‘full house’ signs displayed.

It was still known to many as the original name The Sun Hall having a large image of the sun over the proscenium.

The building was damaged during an air raid but was able to reopen.

The Imperial closed in March 1959. The building was the building aquired by the council who wanted to convert it into a public hall. Following a public enquiry and lack of finance this idea fell through and the building was later used as a DIY Store.

The building was demolished in the 1970′s. Now on the site a Bingo Hall has been built.

Explore posts related to this cinema