The cinema experience of yesteryear

They really were, as their nickname suggested, picture palaces. On entering you would be greeted by the feel of plush carpet underfoot and as far as the eye could see. There was usually a grand staircase leading to the circle, also carpetted and the whole place would be littered with smartly uniformed staff to see to your every need. The smell of polish hung in the air as you were shown to your seats by a smiling usherette with a torch.

The entertainment would usually consist of several items including 2 movies, a newsreel, advertisements and forthcoming attractions making an evening at the cinema great value for money. What better to place to escape the harsh realities of life for a few hours than in this luxurious setting, waited on by the enire staff with entertainment throughout. No wonder the cinema was a regular place for dating. I'm sure the low lighting helped here and, in the case of a horror movie, cuddles were to be expected.In between the movies there would be an interval. the house lights would come up and the usherettes would serve refreshments to anyone who wanted them.


One has also to remember that those with TVs watched programmes during selecting broadcasting hours on tiny screens in black and white with poor sound quality and even poorer reception. The cinema offered hours of entertainment in colour and on a huge screen for a relatively small fee. Litter and misconduct from audience members was not tolerated. Cinemas were kept scrupulously clean and the audience respected each other. If not, they were asked (told) to leave. No wonder it was popular.

Cinemas back in the 50s and 60s were not multiscreen complexes showing a wide range of movies, however. The norm was to show one main (A) movie for one week alongside a B movie that did not even merit a poster.. Sometimes the movie was kept on for longer 'by popular request'. This is worth noting because, if a young couple wanted to go to the 'pictures' for a date, they could not choose between a comedy, romance or horror. they had what was on. This was remedied to some extent becuas ethere were usually several cinemas in one town, all showing different movies. They often favoured one studio or two (i.e. Universal, MGM etc.)


I mention all this because, when we look at old horror movies it needs to be remembered that this was the environment in which they were first shown.