Gaumont Cinema Dingle Liverpool November 2011

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11-03-2011
Kevsy

Gaumont Cinema Dingle Liverpool November 2011

The Gaumont Cinema is situated on Park road Dingle in Liverpool it was built and opened in 1937 and housed Britain’s first Gaumont projectomatic system. This is a cinema system that automatically changed film reels and controlled the lights.
The 1,500-seat Gaumont was designed by WE Trent, the chief architect for the Gaumont-British group, with a specific curved frontage to follow the shape of the corner of Park Road and Dingle Lane
The art deco building was built to replace the Dingle Picturedrome. After the Gaumont theatre was decommissioned it was turned into a bingo hall.
The cinema also boasted an impressive Wurlitzer organ which is currently in a Manchester museum.
Cliff Richard and The Shadows played here in 1961 apparently.
In the 1960s, the building, which is not listed, was turned into a bingo hall.
Mobile phone operator 02 use the old projector room and have masts on the roof.

Massive Thanks to Georgie T for spotting an opportunity to see inside and giving me the lead for this, Thanks again m8:thumb
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7806.jpg

The Foyer
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7722.jpg
Heading in the main section.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7726.jpg
The old bar area when it was a Bingo Hall.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7729.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7733.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7738.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7756.jpg
Seems like the side rooms were used for kids clubs,etc.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7747.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7750.jpg
All seats were removed years ago.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7760.jpg
The view from the top step.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7770.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7777.jpg
Some old organ or keyboard?
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7791.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7794.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7797.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF7801.jpg
Thanks For Looking.
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11-03-2011
Savo

Kevsy,cheers mate,now I'm trippin back to bein a kid in 60's and goin there every sat to watch Zorolollol
we use to bunk it and watch it,same as many other kids:PDT11
11-03-2011
burkhilly

I remember going to see Mary Poppins in that cinema - my one and only visit - I was about 6/7 at the time.
11-03-2011
az_gila

Unfortuneatley I remember it in the 60's as a Bingo hall...:rolleyes:

It's a pity the neat art deco stuff is falling apart - those that have been restored look really neat, like the Speke Airport terminal building.
11-03-2011
ChrisGeorge

I remember swinging past the cinema on the no. 82 bus and there being a big poster for "Dr. No" on the front of the building.

Chris
11-03-2011
az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisGeorge

I remember swinging past the cinema on the no. 82 bus and there being a big poster for "Dr. No" on the front of the building.

Chris

Dr. No was 1962 (a classic with Ursula A. BTW...:)...) so I think the Bingo bit was after that. The original article did say it became Bingo in the 60's.

Could if have been doing both functions at the same time?
11-04-2011
Kevsy

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_gila

Dr. No was 1962 (a classic with Ursula A. BTW...:)...) so I think the Bingo bit was after that. The original article did say it became Bingo in the 60's.

Could if have been doing both functions at the same time?

I think it was about 1966 it became a Rank Bingo Hall till about 1998.
11-05-2011
Kevsy

Thanks for the comments,its a shame it was allowed to stand empty and rot for so many years.
11-05-2011
ChrisGeorge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevsy

Thanks for the comments,its a shame it was allowed to stand empty and rot for so many years.

I dare say that has been the fate of a number of cinemas and theatres over the years.
11-05-2011
az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisGeorge

I dare say that has been the fate of a number of cinemas and theatres over the years.

Have any Liverpool ones managed to remain but reused for different functions?

My optician in Los Angeles had hisoffice inside the shell of a cinema, at least they basically left the facade alone in that case...:)
11-05-2011
grekko

2 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_gila

Have any Liverpool ones managed to remain but reused for different functions?

My optician in Los Angeles had hisoffice inside the shell of a cinema, at least they basically left the facade alone in that case...:)

The one that springs to mind is the Abbey , Wavertree. Now a Somerfields supermarket.
Attachment 23549
Attachment 23550
11-05-2011
John Doh

UPDATE: Now, unlike Somerfield, it's "Good with Food" - i.e. a Co-operative Supermarket!
11-05-2011
grekko

Thanks J.D, I should have realised after the takeover a while back.
11-06-2011
Kevsy

The old Royal Cinema in Everton is a furniture shop now
11-06-2011
Norm NZ

The Gaumont was still a cinema when I lived in the Lark Lane area in 63. I must admit that I prefared the 'Mayfair' in Aigburth Rd though, is that still in use?, and what happend to the other one on corner of Tramway Rd/ Aigburth Rd? think it was called the 'Rivolli'?
11-06-2011
ChrisGeorge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm NZ

The Gaumont was still a cinema when I lived in the Lark Lane area in 63. I must admit that I prefared the 'Mayfair' in Aigburth Rd though, is that still in use?, and what happend to the other one on corner of Tramway Rd/ Aigburth Rd? think it was called the 'Rivolli'?

I know I saw a film or two at the Mayfair on Aigburth Road, but was more often at the Plaza (later the Gaumont) on Allerton Road. Don't think I ever saw a picture at the Gaumont on Park Road but went to see flicks at the Forum and other downtown cinemas. I remember in 1966 going to see "The Great Race" at the Futurist on Lime Street with my then girlfriend, Pat. We met for the date under the Epstein statue on Lewis's corner -- as the Peter McGovern song goes "Meet under a statue exceedingly bare" -- as many Liverpool couples did.

Chris
11-07-2011
Ronijayne

I remembered the other day, we called the Gaumont the Flea Pit.....we mostly went to the Mayfair. I remember the Rivolli too
11-07-2011
ericfaragh

As I remember it, the Gaumont cost more than the Mayfair, and the Mayfair was also much nearer to where I lived in Belgrave Road, making the Mayfair our family favourite. I mainly remember that the Gaumont had a lot more (mostly black and white) stills from the films, which were displayed in glass cases set into the brickwork outside, meant to entice people in. The Mayfair had much less in that line. The Gaumont was the "posh" place to go.

The Mayfair is long gone, but it had an organ and a marvellous "swagged" curtain which exhibited a breath-taking light display before the show started up. An iridescent display of marvellous rainbow hues that made the curtain seem metalic and full of fascinating beauty, the lighting seeming to keep time with the organ as it played. It generated a strong feeling of anticipation in this little boy as he gaped at the wonder of it, until the curtain slowly rose as the projected image began the show, seeming to shine not only on top of the curtain as it rose, but also beneath it.
11-07-2011
123dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisGeorge

I know I saw a film or two at the Mayfair on Aigburth Road, but was more often at the Plaza (later the Gaumont) on Allerton Road. Don't think I ever saw a picture at the Gaumont on Park Road but went to see flicks at the Forum and other downtown cinemas. I remember in 1966 going to see "The Great Race" at the Futurist on Lime Street with my then girlfriend, Pat. We met for the date under the Epstein statue on Lewis's corner -- as the Peter McGovern song goes "Meet under a statue exceedingly bare" -- as many Liverpool couples did.

Chris

Last film I saw at the Gaumont was "Goal" about the 66 World Cup and "Were Eagles Dare " at the Mayfair
11-07-2011
Oudeis

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123dave

Last film I saw at the Gaumont was "Goal" about the 66 World Cup and "Were Eagles Dare " at the Mayfair

What's so special about the WC in 1966? It's a strange thing to make a film out of. ;)
11-07-2011
az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oudeis

What's so special about the WC in 1966? It's a strange thing to make a film out of. ;)

This review might help explain it a bit...

Of it's type and time it was perfect. Aged 14 in 1966 I watched the football on a black & white TV as did most in the UK at that time. Because of that this film was on general release at the cinema later that year. I went to see it and it was in glorious colour! Done in the style of British Pathe News but with more glamour and the match action mixed with player profiles & back room business. It also showed the fans and personalities even that old chap who always attended the England games dressed in a Union Flag suite. A magical moment of cinema for a teenager. This is a must for any 40 something footballers. I would love to see it again and keep it for posterity.

From -

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166023/
11-07-2011
Oudeis

Sorry Az, all I could find was this...

http://www.videosurf.com/alf-ramsey-132403
11-07-2011
az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oudeis

Sorry Az, all I could find was this...

http://www.videosurf.com/alf-ramsey-132403

The first clip there was neat though...

http://www.videosurf.com/video/world...rmany-57927931

Pity they didn't have High Definition back then....:)
02-25-2012
az_gila

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_gila

Have any Liverpool ones managed to remain but reused for different functions?

My optician in Los Angeles had hisoffice inside the shell of a cinema, at least they basically left the facade alone in that case...:)

I just checked, and it's still there as a facade. Judging by the design, it looks more 50s/60s "Jetsons style" than the 30's...:)

http://g.co/maps/dn3h8
02-26-2012
davemed

What a shame to see the Gaumont like this.

So many happy memories of it.

Thanks kevsy.
02-26-2012
Big where it matters

At least the building is still there so as the recent renovation of the Florrie demonstrates, it might one day be brought back to life. Fingers crossed.

Unlike this little beauty, the Mayfair cinema less than a mile away in Aigburth Road. A naff looking Home Bargains store now occupies the site.

http://www.memoriesofliverpool8.com/albums/album5.htm

^^

You have to scroll through the clips to get to it!

---------- Post added at 10:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------

I have just looked through the memories of L8 pics (quite a few of L17 there, too) and apart from good shots of the shore before the Dingle oil jetty and the prom were built there are quite a few pictures of the Inglenook pub in Ullet Road that has now closed and is about to be rebuilt as a residential care home.

There's also a picture of the Gaumont when it was a Top Rank bingo hall.
02-26-2012
Waterways

The underground Dingle station is next door - still there. In the 1940-50s, many people who lived on the Dock Road, Warwick Gdns, Brunswick Gds, etc, would use the Overhead railway to visit the Gaumont.

A large supermarket could use the building and lobby the Council/HMG to get the station back in action and on Merseyrail. That would lift the district overall and again make it a centre.
02-26-2012
Waterways

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm NZ

The Gaumont was still a cinema when I lived in the Lark Lane area in 63. I must admit that I prefared the 'Mayfair' in Aigburth Rd though, is that still in use?,

I closed as a cinema in 1973 and became a Bingo hall.
02-26-2012
Kevsy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterways

The underground Dingle station is next door - still there. In the 1940-50s, many people who lived on the Dock Road, Warwick Gdns, Brunswick Gds, etc, would use the Overhead railway to visit the Gaumont.

A large supermarket could use the building and lobby the Council/HMG to get the station back in action and on Merseyrail. That would lift the district overall and again make it a centre.

Heres an interesting link
http://www.liverpoolwiki.org/Extendi...sit_Merseyrail
02-26-2012
Ronijayne

As a kid we got a shilling on a Saturday for the Matinee 6pence to get in, and ice cream and a drink with the rest. We got a cartoon, a movie and a serial for our money, we were there for hours!!
02-26-2012
collegepudding

Great Links by B.W.I.M and by Kevsy.

good background info by waterways and by R & J.

Thanks All !