Close

36 pictures of cinemas loved and lost across the Black Country and Staffordshire - see how many you remember

Long before home streaming, local cinemas were central to our social lives, offering shared experiences that shaped generations.

Plus
By Tania Taylor
Published
Last updated

Here we look back over the decades at some of the region's cinemas - nearly all now lost - and recall the moments and faces that made them special. 

Enjoy this shuffled selection from the Express & Star archives.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every Friday. Sign up here

Cannon Cinema, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton, circa October 1991. Around the time of the cinema's closure. The cinema was showing Jacobs Ladder, Robin Hood and Out for Justice.
Cannon Cinema, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton, circa October 1991. Around the time of the cinema's closure. The cinema was showing Jacob's Ladder, Robin Hood and Out for Justice.
The former Savoy cinema in Lower High Street, Stourbridge, pictured in 2016.
The former Savoy cinema in Lower High Street, Stourbridge, pictured in 2016.
The front of the Gaumont Cinema, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, with Never Mention Murder, starring Maxine Audley, playing, pictured in the 1960s.
The front of the Gaumont Cinema, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, with Never Mention Murder, starring Maxine Audley, playing, pictured in the 1960s.
The former Clifton cinema in Sedgley is now a JD Wetherspoons pub.
The former Clifton cinema in Sedgley is now a JD Wetherspoons pub.
Badshah Palace, Walsall Road, Great Barr, which was the former Clifton Cinema and now transformed into a grand Banqueting Hall. Picture: Richard Swingler
Badshah Palace, Walsall Road, Great Barr, which was the former Clifton Cinema and now transformed into a grand Banqueting Hall. Picture: Richard Swingler
The Clifton Cinema in Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, pictured in 1961. The last performance was of the film 'Can Can' starring Frank Sinatra.
The Clifton Cinema in Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, pictured in 1961. The last performance was of the film 'Can Can' starring Frank Sinatra.
Showcase Cinema, Dudley.Showcase Cinema, Dudley. showcase | 07 Oct 2020 JC 5YKT6TW2Z5AELA2FNTH4OJDFPA
The Showcase Cinema, Castle Street, Dudley, pictured in 2020.
The premier of the new show Danny and the Human Zoo, written by Lenny Henry, taking place at the Showcase Cinema, in Castle St, Dudley. Lenny Henry is pictured with Mayoress Jayne Waltho and Mayor of Dudley Cllr Steve Waltho.
Premiere of the new show Danny and the Human Zoo in 2015, written by Lenny Henry, at the Showcase Cinema, Castle Street, Dudley. Lenny Henry is pictured with Mayoress Jayne Waltho and Mayor of Dudley Cllr Steve Waltho.
The Carlton Cinema, Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton, circa 1949.
The Carlton Cinema, Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton, circa 1949.
Chris Overton, from Cannock, who has directed film The Silent Child, which has been nominated for an Oscar. He was showcasing it at the Cannock Cinema and he is pictured with partner Rachel Shenton who wrote and stars in the film, in 2018.
Chris Overton, from Cannock, who has directed film The Silent Child, which has been nominated for an Oscar. He was showcasing it at the Cannock Cinema and he is pictured with partner Rachel Shenton who wrote and stars in the film, in 2018.