A fascinating reminiscence of my childhood cinema from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was a beautiful building, I remember, with lots of character. The first film I saw there was the original Dumbo (1941), probably in 1967. Our father used to take all eight of us children frequently. I never walk past the old spot without seeing the Odeon in my mind's eye, almost as if the lost building haunts the place.
Very well produced and presented. Hard to imagine that Bishop Auckland's last cinema closed almost 40 years ago. There is talk of a new 'cinema' (probably 10 screens of about 50 seats each) opening 'out of town' which will be better than nothing for those who prefer the cinema experience to 'home cinema'. I, myself, cannot imagine what the difference is, these days!
Wonderful video...thank you! I was just telling my wife and step daughter about these 'pictures' only the other day as we were in Bishop. I remember seeing Empire Strikes Back in 1980 with my Dad and my friend (about 11/12 years old?) After the film finished my Dad told us to sit quiet and not make a sound............we got to see the film again for free 😂....happy days
An *incredibly* detailed, interesting, but sad true tale about the fate of these wonderful 20th century UK cinemas. Well done mate for providing *so* much wonderful information about this. Sounds like, again, when the Rank chain pulled out without any plans for further use of the building, the local council had *no* clue/foresight what to do with it, leaving it a derelict eyesore for at least over a decade. That is *not* to say the phrase "it's grim up north". Tunbridge Wells, an *extremely* vibrant/affluent town near to where I live in Brighton, did *exactly* the same when their ABC cinema closed in the year 2000. Only for it to finally be demolished in 2014 and still, as of yet, it has been an empty site.
I have very fond memories of going there a couple of times I remember it was double features and a lady coming round with ice creams like u see in old movies.. such a shame it closed it was a handsome looking cinema.. definitely watched condorman and watcher in the woods at bishop
Condorman I remember that one - a pretty popular film at Stowmarket Regal, the kids loved it! Watcher in the Woods - a curious, more scary offering from Disney!!
Damn Aldi, they always seem to be building on ex-cinema sites. What a waste of a fine building. Re the car park picture taken from the top of the ODEON - would you mind if I reproduce it on the Austin A30/A35 Facebook page? I think it may be of interest. Thanks for another good video albeit a sad one.
I spent my teenage years in Bishop Auckland and was a regular cinema go-er.I remember then all with great affection and saw my one and only 3D film at the Odeon. I'll never forget watching a film when the caption went up on the screen stating that President J F Kennedy had been shot and killed.
4:18 Great Scotland Yard. It's Stan Laurel From Laurel And Hardy. Thanks Mate. X
A fascinating reminiscence of my childhood cinema from the 1960s to the 1980s. It was a beautiful building, I remember, with lots of character. The first film I saw there was the original Dumbo (1941), probably in 1967. Our father used to take all eight of us children frequently. I never walk past the old spot without seeing the Odeon in my mind's eye, almost as if the lost building haunts the place.
Very well produced and presented. Hard to imagine that Bishop Auckland's last cinema closed almost 40 years ago. There is talk of a new 'cinema' (probably 10 screens of about 50 seats each) opening 'out of town' which will be better than nothing for those who prefer the cinema experience to 'home cinema'. I, myself, cannot imagine what the difference is, these days!
We live in hope that it will have a little style and who knows, maybe even some tabs! Not to mention big screens and lots of seats 😀
Wonderful video...thank you!
I was just telling my wife and step daughter about these 'pictures' only the other day as we were in Bishop.
I remember seeing Empire Strikes Back in 1980 with my Dad and my friend (about 11/12 years old?)
After the film finished my Dad told us to sit quiet and not make a sound............we got to see the film again for free 😂....happy days
The Saturday morning klds. Show in the 50s and 60s were great 3stoogies bowery bowser boys abbot and Costello cartoons. Such precious memories
An *incredibly* detailed, interesting, but sad true tale about the fate of these wonderful 20th century UK cinemas. Well done mate for providing *so* much wonderful information about this. Sounds like, again, when the Rank chain pulled out without any plans for further use of the building, the local council had *no* clue/foresight what to do with it, leaving it a derelict eyesore for at least over a decade. That is *not* to say the phrase "it's grim up north". Tunbridge Wells, an *extremely* vibrant/affluent town near to where I live in Brighton, did *exactly* the same when their ABC cinema closed in the year 2000. Only for it to finally be demolished in 2014 and still, as of yet, it has been an empty site.
The rush to demolish is sometimes more than a little premature. Thanks for your kind comments !
@@cinemaslostforever *Anytime!*
I have very fond memories of going there a couple of times I remember it was double features and a lady coming round with ice creams like u see in old movies.. such a shame it closed it was a handsome looking cinema.. definitely watched condorman and watcher in the woods at bishop
Condorman I remember that one - a pretty popular film at Stowmarket Regal, the kids loved it! Watcher in the Woods - a curious, more scary offering from Disney!!
Damn Aldi, they always seem to be building on ex-cinema sites. What a waste of a fine building. Re the car park picture taken from the top of the ODEON - would you mind if I reproduce it on the Austin A30/A35 Facebook page? I think it may be of interest. Thanks for another good video albeit a sad one.
Sorry its taken a while to read comments - please do use it as you wish! Happiness. Neal 😀
I spent my teenage years in Bishop Auckland and was a regular cinema go-er.I remember then all with great affection and saw my one and only 3D film at the Odeon. I'll never forget watching a film when the caption went up on the screen stating that President J F Kennedy had been shot and killed.