The aim of the Going to the Pictures Project has been to help preserve a part of our local cinema heritage by collecting and recording memories from people who used and worked in the local picture houses from the 1930′s to the 1960′s.
Explore this map of 21 local cinemas within a 3 mile radius of the Plaza, from 1930 to 1960.
As part of the project we have produced a specially designed Cinema Heritage Trail Map. 5000 have been printed and distributed locally - keep a look out at your local community centre, or pick one […]
When the film ‘Rock Around the Clock’ was released in cinemas the music had people dancing in the aisles and many people were asked to leave the cinema.
The Picturegoer film magazine is probably one of the oldest film magazines having first been published in 1913, it was a typical fan magazine not only telling readers about new films but also carried stories about the film stars and their private lives.
The Picture Palace of Bootle held film show matinees for children on Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm with prices of 1d and 2 d.
The Queens Picture House – The first purpose built cinema in Waterloo
The Going to the Pictures Launch Event gave guests an opportunity to reminisce and take a nostalgic look back at Going to the Pictures.
The Regent Cinema was the first suburban cinema in the area to have a cafe lounge installed when it was built in 1920, over the years the building has had several uses including a bingo and social club. It is now part of St Mary’s School Gymnasium.
The cinema memories we have recorded through the project have helped to create a short film which gives a glimpse into what Going to the Pictures was like from the 30′s to the 60′s.