“In the Summer of 1939 on the eve of World War II, I was 12 years old. My mother sent me on a ‘holiday; to my sister who was in married quarters at The Kings Regt. Barracks off Sandringham road, Seaforth. {Sandy Road}

I recall two visits to The Stella, A narrow frontage fairly low grade Picture House. Prices were low and matched the general standard / age of the films shown. My recollections are of seeing :-The Informer – An Irish Troubles Story staring Victor Mc Laglen and The Scarlet Pimpernel – French period drama starring Leslie Howard as Sir Peter Blakeney.

My memory of the interior is not now too clear – bearing in mind most of the time the lights were out. I believe it was quite a small picture house – about a third of the size of sat The Plaza Crosby. Seating at the Stella was very basic in keeping with the price/standard of custom they set themselves i.e. low rental fees for old well used films equated to similarly low admission prices. I believe they had matinees several days in a week and were open most if not all {except Sundays} in the 1930’s.

As a boy going to The Pictures in a strange location of Seaforth coming from the “Far Off” area of Anfield – It was an experience to be remembered although the building was forgettable.”

Eric Hooton

 
Watch Eric’s video memory below