Cinema historian Allen Eyles presents an interesting short history of single screen cinemas in Britain, tracing architectural styles and the evolution of these fascinating houses. Beginning in 1896, motion picture exhibition required purpose-built theatres by 1907 and this book presents interesting examples in every decade, with concentration during the architectural heyday before World War II. Organs are seen in many of the photographs, and they are mentioned in the text. A brief section brings the discussion current to the year 2000. 32 pp., softbound, 59 black and white photos. |