ABC Enfield

Enfield, Middlesex, England

Savoy Parade, Southbury Road

, Enfield, Middlesex, England, United Kingdom EN1 1RT

(map)

Status:	Closed/Demolished
Screens:	Multiplex (4 Screen)
Style:	Art Deco

Function:	Unknown
Seats:	2242
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	George Coles
Firm:	Unknown

The Savoy Cinema was a luxury super cinema designed for a mixed use of cine-variety and was built for Independent operator Goide & Glassman. It opened on 28th October 1935 with Pual Lucas in "Age of Indiscretion" and Miriam Hopkins in "Becky Sharp".

Designed in what could be descibed as a 'classical' Art Deco style by prolific cinema architect George Coles, seating was provided for just below 1,400 in stalls and just below 900 in the balcony. The Savoy was equipped with a working stage and orchestra pit, five dressing rooms and a Wurlitzer 2Maunual/7Rank theatre organ which was opened by Reginald New. There was also a large cafe/resaurant located on the balcony foyer level with windows overlooking the street and a free car park at the rear.

The Savoy Cinema was soon taken over by Associated British Cinemas (ABC) from 24th February 1936. In 1962 it was re-named ABC and in 1966 the Wurlitzer organ was removed to the West Hallam Social Club in Derbyshire.

In April 1978 it was closed for conversion into a 4 screen cinema. Screen 1 was in the former balcony and had 620 seats, screen 2 was in the former front stalls area with 356 seats and screen 3 and 4 were two mini cinemas located under the balcony in the former rear stalls area and had seating for 217 and 140.

It later became part of the Cannon Cinemas chain and was re-named ABC again in December 1996. It closed on 11th December 1997. The building was demolished in March 1998, to provide access to a new Tesco supermarket which was built on the former cinema car park.

Contributed by KenRoe

YOUR COMMENTS

A scan of a photograph I took in the summer 1994 when the building was operating as a 4-screen Cannon Cinema:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kencta/148770236/

posted by KenRoe on May 18, 2006 at 5:37am

Kenroe - lovely to see your photo.

This was my local cinema for many years and I have so many great memories. I was there on the last night (LA Confidential) and I said on that night I would never go to that store when it was built (I never did although have long since moved). This building sparked my interest in cinema and it's history. I remember the days when there would be queues outside - the multiplex in Lea Valley definitly had an impact on attendance, but there was always a loyal attendance.

posted by GranadaGirl on Aug 18, 2007 at 2:17pm

A vintage photograph of the Savoy Cinema in 1937
http://flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/2133167696/

posted by KenRoe on Mar 24, 2008 at 5:01pm

Here's the link with the set of 30 photographs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/sets/72157604097493039/

posted by kev phelan on Sep 6, 2008 at 4:19pm

Photographed in March 1998, awaiting demolition:
http:www.flickr.com/photos/bonez007/3625841866/

posted by KenRoe on Jun 14, 2009 at 2:42pm

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