tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post2171258814934993503..comments2023-11-05T09:26:06.044+00:00Comments on Start The Revolution Without Me: More Memories of Southend Cinema!Pileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15540380685492699957noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-50301412379316611442014-05-20T20:56:04.893+01:002014-05-20T20:56:04.893+01:00In the 1960s I became house engineer and stage man...In the 1960s I became house engineer and stage manager after Len Marchmant Died suddenly. The Beatles, Rolling stones, and many more I meet them all, Mr Levenson was manager and all staff were brilliant, The cinema/theatre could not be beaten. Alan.Alannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-40955965697908988032014-04-21T19:33:28.820+01:002014-04-21T19:33:28.820+01:00I was trainee then assistant manager of the abc ba...I was trainee then assistant manager of the abc back in the sixties. I wonder if any other staff will read this.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18426545287086390823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-50960617082694583112014-04-21T19:29:57.880+01:002014-04-21T19:29:57.880+01:00Interesting site. I was a trainee then assistant m...Interesting site. I was a trainee then assistant manager at the Abc back in the sixties.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18426545287086390823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-78860360710275839192012-06-25T13:37:59.156+01:002012-06-25T13:37:59.156+01:00NORTHAMPTONBOOKSHOP: Just found a 1967 flyer DR WH...NORTHAMPTONBOOKSHOP: Just found a 1967 flyer DR WHO WILLIAM HARTNELL in PUSS in BOOTS, MEET THE MONSTERS FROM OUTER SPACE SUPER WIN A DALEK COMPETITION. it is dated January 2nd Monday 1967, manager Arthur G Levenson , on rear in biro Arthur I would think has listed Theatre cinema staff and hoursAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-67964065148586054422012-01-31T23:34:11.540+00:002012-01-31T23:34:11.540+00:00http://southend-on-sea.tumblr.com/http://southend-on-sea.tumblr.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-52290105023008387442011-06-27T20:14:33.838+01:002011-06-27T20:14:33.838+01:00I also went to the Southend Odeon as a child to se...I also went to the Southend Odeon as a child to see Jungle Book when visiting relatives in the area. It was magnificent and has stuck in my mind for 45+ years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-81494422292775894862010-09-09T00:42:23.955+01:002010-09-09T00:42:23.955+01:00The Odeon Southend, it must be said, did enjoy a f...The Odeon Southend, it must be said, did enjoy a full-on usage of considerable variety, from film in it's latter years to (pre 1970) stage shows, classical concerts, organ recitals, musicals on ice (yes, the stage was huge then) as well as major celebrity appearances and orchestra's of international repute. <br /> <br />By way of letting your readers know that not all is gone in the world of 'quality' cinema architecture, besides London's excellent Empire and Odeon theatre cinema's, Leicester Square (the Odeon had it's 1970's interior restored back to it's 1937 glory ten years ago with it's Compton organ retained - though rarely used now in the orchestra pit hidden under the apron cover of the main stage), there is a cinema that has had a major restoration and now operates as a quality restaurant in the stalls foyer, a bar in the entrance foyer and the circle foyer is the cinema's main foyer, leading to the circle, which has had new seats, spaced well apart for excellent leg-room, and in the stalls, accessed from the circle, tables with lamps and comfortable seating around them with a bar tucked under the circle (balcony) edge, serving everything a quality bar does. The cinema is the 'Rex' and it is in Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire.<br /> <br />The programmes are quality films, some sub-titled, (Cannes award winners standard), and it is always busy; no plebby teenagers, and you need to book on-line. You can book a table in the restaurant and I believe there are deals which combine the two businesses where you have dinner at the restaurant and they time it that you finish in time to go up into the theatre, which by the way is pure 30's, as original. It is frequented by many North London actors, being just off the M1 and past Hemel Hempsted. The most expensive seats are £10, with the circle coming in cheaper. Best view is from the front circle. Do go. It is well worth the visit.<br /><br />CarlCarl Beckwithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-58036453260266023842010-08-31T14:29:22.537+01:002010-08-31T14:29:22.537+01:00Great piece P and cracking photo's. Odeon 2 lo...Great piece P and cracking photo's. Odeon 2 looks more stately and impressive than I remember, although I never understood why the grandest of the two screens was labelled as 2 not 1. <br /><br />I saw an incredible amount of cinematic classics and forgotten horrors there (Tentacles - <i>killer octopus </i>, Nightwing -<i> killer bats</i>) at the Odeon.<br />It made going to the pictures feel like an occasion, not the communal<br />watching-of-a-large-print dvd it's become.<br /><br />The ABC <i>was</i> always Southend's shabby cinema. I saw Every Which Way But Loose there before the conversion, but almost got thrown out for spitting and throwing sweets from the upper circle into the stalls. Was only 13 though..Mondohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11199468951602465556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-51680205788402621262010-08-27T00:30:25.294+01:002010-08-27T00:30:25.294+01:00Cheers F-Ron, yeah we all have our own 'Odeon&...Cheers F-Ron, yeah we all have our own 'Odeon' from our childhood don't we? Alas they all seem to have been treated with the same disregard by our town planners and crooked councillors.<br /><br />Thing is JM, you lob out all that money to go see a film, and come away all wound up because every other fucwit in the place wanted to talk, eat loudly, or check their mobile phone every 2 minutes (usually all three). What is it with people who can't 'switch off' for 2 hours? And why do you feel the need to eat your way through the film??! I'd now rather save that money and OWN the bloody thing when it comes out on DVD - usually cheaper than the entry fee... I can wait these days.<br /><br />Dr Steve - Thanks for the comment. That was surely a promo put on by the Odeon eh? <br /><br />Ta Carl - yeah amazing pictures. It really was that big!! It brings it all back doesn't it? Love the pic of the screen, the man standing in front of it looks like a bloody ant!!! I know people with TV's not much smaller than the screens they have in the Multiplex these days. Bah.<br /><br />PPileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540380685492699957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-86465474828676111112010-08-26T22:23:04.772+01:002010-08-26T22:23:04.772+01:00Excellent post but it was the pictures that took m...Excellent post but it was the pictures that took me back , what a blast from the past.<br /><br />Carl.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-88951804704345700102010-08-25T20:27:21.284+01:002010-08-25T20:27:21.284+01:00What a fascinating piece of local movie nostalgia ...What a fascinating piece of local movie nostalgia - fantastic! I only visited the old Odeon once, to see Terminator 2. I recall a tall chap dressed just like Arnie roaring up on a Harley and parking it right outside . . .but whether it was ...a publicity stunt or someone who just happened to be an Arnie-lookylikey I don't know. Made a lot of us, queuing up round the block (yes, those were the days) laugh, albeit quietly, as he did look like someone you would give your clothes, your boots, your motor-cycle and your shades to, if asked . . .! Anyway, another great trip down Odeon memory lane. <br /><br />SteveDr Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-67322884651819203702010-08-25T17:47:39.575+01:002010-08-25T17:47:39.575+01:00Going to the cinema was 'an event.' As you...Going to the cinema was 'an event.' As you rightly say in your piece, you were greeted by staff in their best bib and tucker. Like a lot of modern life it's now been downgraded to the point where most folk can't be arsed and stay in watching DVD box-sets* (or will only go under sufferance with the kids to a Potter/Pixar/Disney newie).<br /><br />* Don't get me wrong, a cursory inspection of DVDs at Medd Towers would find it to be Box-Set Central. It's in addition to the cinema, not instead of.John Meddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10547777949324509522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-13610330784384633692010-08-24T09:39:05.257+01:002010-08-24T09:39:05.257+01:00Great post... it reminds me that many of the cinem...Great post... it reminds me that many of the cinemas near me in the Medway conurbation have disappeared in my lifetime... Odeon in Rochester, the ABC in Chatham, the last of the "old Style" it died when the multiplex opened up over the river near junc 2 of the M2. That is now flats and shops... the Regal I think it was that was opposite - burnt down allowing Gala to rebuild a 21st century bingo venue... the Plaza in Gillingham that was briefly a TV studio (I think Fraggle Rock was shot there) and then that was Laser Quest... now gone and an Lidl of the like in it's place...Furtheronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11903753972242964410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-64147696558808172602010-08-23T20:57:48.806+01:002010-08-23T20:57:48.806+01:00ISBW - just places of wonder weren't they? I h...ISBW - just places of wonder weren't they? I honestly don't think that kids today are viewing the plastic and cardboard multiplex cinemas in the same way. It's just like going to McDonalds but with a film on... That's a great point though, at least we were lucky enough to experience it first hand.<br /><br />Heff - 'The Return of Heff' was indeed a momentous occasion ;-)<br /><br />PPileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540380685492699957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-60618425926994013332010-08-23T20:22:59.567+01:002010-08-23T20:22:59.567+01:00My highest commented on post is "The Return O...My highest commented on post is "The Return Of Heff", followed CLOSELY by a post that displays Donna's damn near naked ass.<br /><br />I have no idea why that one garnered so much chatter, lol.Heffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396114362826135207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-17636375400144234332010-08-23T19:46:04.167+01:002010-08-23T19:46:04.167+01:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kolley Kibberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07055145770836351738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-53259694012698337372010-08-23T19:45:52.735+01:002010-08-23T19:45:52.735+01:00Another wonderful post. The Southend Odeon looked ...Another wonderful post. The Southend Odeon looked (perhaps unsurprisingly) similar to the late lamented Gants Hill Odeon, which started out as a Palace of Celluloid Dreams before enjoying a 70s incarnation as legendary gig venue, until multiplex blandness and rot set in in the 80s, finally giving way to redundancy, and the bulldozers, some years since. <br /><br />The Ilford ABC, its poor cousin, tragically exists as a particularly violent nightclub, quite literally a devastated shell of its former self. A sad story probably repeated a thousand times across the country.<br /><br />At least our lot got the very tail end of what had been a golden age.Kolley Kibberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07055145770836351738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-73826255790387913602010-08-23T19:21:32.043+01:002010-08-23T19:21:32.043+01:00John - marvelous, thanks! It was indeed a real ...John - marvelous, thanks! It was indeed a real 'event' to go to the cinema back then. And I don't think it was 'just because we were kids' either. I continued to go to the old odeon right up until it finally closed its doors, so I was a fully fledged adult by then - and STILL the magic was there, right to the end.<br /><br />Dan - yes, this is kind of ironic given your last couple of posts of woe relating to the 'new' Odeon! Great days, that will alas never return. I can still remember the 'sound' of being in that auditorium, the slight dulled echo of the seats kicking back into place, it was beautiful, and it's scandalous that the place was allowed to simply be pulled down without a care.<br /><br />PPileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540380685492699957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-59704108024433172010-08-23T18:14:48.368+01:002010-08-23T18:14:48.368+01:00Thanks guys, I love reading about the old cinemas,...Thanks guys, I love reading about the old cinemas, the Odeon Southend was a wonderful cinema wasn't it but my best memories are from The Classic in Westcliff.phsendnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-933592325431953802010-08-23T17:55:02.398+01:002010-08-23T17:55:02.398+01:00What an amazing post. I don't mind admitting ...What an amazing post. I don't mind admitting that I almost had a tear in my eye looking at those pictures of the old Odeon.<br /><br />My thoughts on modern-day cinema multiplexes are very well known - I hate them. Looking at these pictures reminds me of why. In my head, I thought that I was probably overestimating the sheer magnitude of the Odeon; misremembering it as being bigger than it really was. But it was bloody massive! Look at it!<br /><br />That architecture is gone forever, and so is the beauty and passion of cinema. Such a lovely post, but such a sad one too.<br /><br />Huge thanks to you, Piley, and to Carl for sharing these magnificent memories.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01773088730561800442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47636629640428119.post-29723646717217979202010-08-23T09:17:50.547+01:002010-08-23T09:17:50.547+01:00I love your cinema posts Piley. Cinemas to me are ...I love your cinema posts Piley. Cinemas to me are a saviour of sanity - a place to escape from the everyday and there just aren't enough good ones around. Looking at the pics I can remember so much about the rituals surrounding seeing a film at the Southend Odeon. The queues up the stairs, bigger screen to your right, smaller one to the left, the concessions stands..etc My brother actually saw the Beatles there in the early 60s with Roy Orbison on the same bill apparently. Great stuff as ever PileyJohn Devlinhttp://www.truecoloursfootballkits.comnoreply@blogger.com