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.
At the project launch event memories from cinema goers were collected in a number of ways. view some of the old style film bill posters created at the launch event
Films came to the cinema on large reels which would be projected onto the screen, the reels would sometimes break and get mixed up
Things sold within the cinema during the 1930′s to the 1960′s were limited in terms of the refreshments and snacks sold within modern cinemas.
Crosby High Students at Sefton Records Office viewing old maps and photographs to see how the area and community has changed over the years and where the Picture Houses in the area once stood.
The project has been very fortunate in having several people who have come forward with items or collections of cinema memorabilia. Volunteers through the project have helped to scan and digitize materials.
The beautiful building was demolished and now shops stand in its place
Souvenir Film Brochures were widely sold at cinemas during the initial release of what at the time were described as film “Epics” they helped promote the film and usually contained details of the cast, how the film was made and also assorted stills from the film.
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.