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.

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As well as adverising forthcoming and current film attractions, cinema programmes often promoted local business as well. Local firms would pay for advertising space which would assist in the cost of publication of the cinema programme.

The adverts themselves are quite interesting pieces of social history. One of the adverts on the programme below is for a heel bar in Bootle, offering to change the colour of your shoes to match your summer outfit, this is a service unheard of today in our modern disposable consumer society.

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.

Due to the fact that it was the school holidays the cinema was showing a number of Walt Disney films namely ‘Bon Voyage’ and ‘Big Red.”

Interestingly, the film ‘Big Red’ was supported by one of Disney’s famous full length feature cartoons ‘Dumbo’ which was originally released in 1941.

‘How the West was Won’ released in 1962 was the first film in Cinerama that actually told a story, previous films were in fact travelogues and information films. This comic was published to tell the story of the film in comic form.

Souvenir Brochure that was published to accompany the release of the film

To the Saturday evening film program which would provide a full night of entertainment often including two films and a newsreel in a warm, safe, luxurious environment at a reasonable price. The cinema was often a very popular place for first dates and courting couples.

To the mid week rolling film program. Showing films from a Monday to Wednesday, with a different film on a Thursday to Saturday and a special program of a Sunday.

The Pictures were a place for families to go to be entertained, informed and find out about national and world events.

Cinemas provided a full afternoon or evening’s entertainment which was considered to be good value for money – an affordable luxury.