Brian, Many, many thanks for your email. Some six or more months ago I asked if anyone had a photograph of the Kings Norton Cinema (known as the ‘KN’) – but without response. However, coincidenatally, one arrived this morning from the Kings Norton Historical Society. Additionally, they sent a photograph of the ‘Savoy’ (another local cinema, but known as the ‘fleapit’). Should you wish me to forward these photographs to you, please let me know. Kindest, Grechenka.
I noticed your posting re: firstly the Odeon, Queensway. I was In Birmingham in September and was amazed the place has the ‘For Sale’ or ‘To Let’ signs still up. How long is it now since it closed – got to be 10 years? The book you mention, I would love any information you may have on the ‘King’s Norton Cinema'on the outskirts of Birmingham. A large cinema, now demolished, I think it was part of the Clifton Cinemas chain.
All the above posts carry valid content. Cinema attendances here in the UK are also falling (by some 3% in the past year – this figure is without the benefit of any ‘spin’ from ABC)! In this city, We have two purpose-built multiplexes each with eight screens. Therefore, Sixteen identical shoeboxes without an ounce of personality between them. Projection and sound are ……. well adequate. Cleaning between screenings is occasional. The standard of seating depends on your luck for that day and whether you can change seats. I’d rather stay at home with a DVD than go there BUT we’re very fortunate, because locally we also have a single
screen ‘indie’ with a personality all of its own, a member of the
management team always acts as ‘greeter’ in the foyer. Sound, projection, seating and cleanliness are all excellent. They don’t
sell coke or popcorn. There’s a bar (legal here) and a coffee bar.
The range of films shown is enormous, from first run features,
foreign language films, film seasons to hosting various local film
festivals – the Jewish and the Gay film festivals being the best known. After a visit you feel you’ve been to the cinema – not to a
celluloid display factory.
The Pavilion Cinema has now been demolished.
Brian, Many, many thanks for your email. Some six or more months ago I asked if anyone had a photograph of the Kings Norton Cinema (known as the ‘KN’) – but without response. However, coincidenatally, one arrived this morning from the Kings Norton Historical Society. Additionally, they sent a photograph of the ‘Savoy’ (another local cinema, but known as the ‘fleapit’). Should you wish me to forward these photographs to you, please let me know. Kindest, Grechenka.
I noticed your posting re: firstly the Odeon, Queensway. I was In Birmingham in September and was amazed the place has the ‘For Sale’ or ‘To Let’ signs still up. How long is it now since it closed – got to be 10 years? The book you mention, I would love any information you may have on the ‘King’s Norton Cinema'on the outskirts of Birmingham. A large cinema, now demolished, I think it was part of the Clifton Cinemas chain.
All the above posts carry valid content. Cinema attendances here in the UK are also falling (by some 3% in the past year – this figure is without the benefit of any ‘spin’ from ABC)! In this city, We have two purpose-built multiplexes each with eight screens. Therefore, Sixteen identical shoeboxes without an ounce of personality between them. Projection and sound are ……. well adequate. Cleaning between screenings is occasional. The standard of seating depends on your luck for that day and whether you can change seats. I’d rather stay at home with a DVD than go there BUT we’re very fortunate, because locally we also have a single
screen ‘indie’ with a personality all of its own, a member of the
management team always acts as ‘greeter’ in the foyer. Sound, projection, seating and cleanliness are all excellent. They don’t
sell coke or popcorn. There’s a bar (legal here) and a coffee bar.
The range of films shown is enormous, from first run features,
foreign language films, film seasons to hosting various local film
festivals – the Jewish and the Gay film festivals being the best known. After a visit you feel you’ve been to the cinema – not to a
celluloid display factory.