ABC Derby

Grand opening ad posted.

I just heard that my Uncle, Albert Day, passed away April 1st 2017 in Derby. He played the organ at the Regal for many years I believe. He was invited to play it when it was restored a few years ago.

Their conversions might have been cheap but I never considered them cheerful……

I took over here for a fortnight in 1976 whilst it was still a single auditorium – and a very impressive place it was throughout. The double width circle staircase alone conjured up images of Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers musicals…..

The film showing the first week was ‘Aces High’ one of EMI’s films which floundered during the record hot summer that year although the returns were quite respectable in Derby. I recall the Manager of the Odeon (Gaumont) presenting himself at the main office upstairs to ask permission to see the film and I took him into the circle just as the house tabs parted onto the BBFC Certificate…..brilliant timing!

I cannot for the life of me remember what was showing the second week but I recollect vividly my last evening there which was the opening Sunday of HG Wells' ‘The Food Of The Gods’ and while I was standing in the main foyer I heard an almighty sound of cheering and guffawing coming from the stalls. Bearing in mind that there was a large stalls foyer between the entrance hall and the auditorium it had to be loud indeed. When I entered the stalls I discovered that the racket was in response to a scene of a poor unfortunate being stung to death by giant wasps…..such was Sunday night audience behaviour back then!

I have loaded 3 pictures from 1959.. Hope you enjoy..

Thanks for that Ken. i knew someone would come to the rescue!

Hmm! It doesn’t seem to want to link. But the reference is there. you’ll just have to do it longhand! Other Derby cinemas there,none on CT as yet……

derby cinema ads from 1964 (came across them while clearing out my parents garage, for the odeon (St Peters St) Gaumont (London Rd) and ABC (East St)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2313616342/

A frankly poor picture of the exterior in 1984, just before closure:–

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The exterior of the ABC on its last day of operation, 14th July 1984 (not 1985 as the caption states):
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