Allenton's Broadway Cinema: The last picture show

A poster detailing the last show at the Broadway cinema, Allenton, in September 1960

Following Ray Whitehurst’s recent article about the changing face of Allenton, contributor Richard Stone wondered if readers might be interested in the poster, advertising the final programme at Allenton’s Broadway cinema.

Richard, of Ashbourne, writes: “I lived in Spondon in 1960 and had just started work when the cinema closed.

“The No 66 trolley bus used to run from Nottingham Road Creamery to Allenton. They must have run late at night in those days.”

The poster states that Allenton cinema opened on December 17, 1928 with Syd Chaplin in Charley’s Aunt. It changed its name to the Broadway cinema in 1939.

Its last screening, on September 24, 1960, was Tommy the Torreador starring Tommy Steele and Janet Munro, supported by a B film, Up in Smoke.

The evening also included 60 minutes of bygone comedy – Bashful Buckaroo, Charlie Chaplin in Charley at Work and the Little Rascals Follies.

The final curtain came down at 10.45pm.

Did you go to the Broadway cinema? Why not share your memories by clicking on the discussion link at the top of the page.