Wigan Album

Just for the record "For you Alone" was released in the USA in February 1937. Grace Moore starred, along with an up and coming British actor, Cary Grant.

Bill, These photographs are invaluable, I hope you have some more from your fathers collection. Thank you again, Tom Walsh.

I like the magical way in which the shadow on the wall tells very much more than does its blurred café signage.

I love this photo of the Ritz. My sister & I stood outside those doors a good few times.
An iconic style building that should not have been demolished

A very iconic building in the Art Deco style of architecture. If you watch Poirot on TV, there are many fine examples of this !
I too have been through those doors many times to watch classic films and see famous pop groups in the 60s. My mate Charlie Watson's mother, Doris, worked there. The tales she told us of the antics of some of these "superstars" !!

Is the style what is referred to as the recoco style?. I was in the Ritz, when it was flashed on the screen, that the Italians had surrendered. I believe it was 1943. The shouts of jubilation was deafening.

I remember when President Kennedy was shot - the new flashed on the screen, it was on a Friday just after seven, can never forget that...

Albert, I think this style of architecture is known as Art Deco.

pity the grand arcade isnt anywhere near as appealing

Took my son here to see Grease.He was 10yrs old.He danced all the way home.1979

I said that DerekB

The Ritz holds so many happy memories for me and at Christmas my son gave me a framed picture of it.

Thank you Johnny, and Derek.B, for answering my query.

I remember the queues when there was a good picture on, same at the Scholes Picture House, hard to believe these days of Netflix etc

You're welcome Albert
Veronica
The old Scholes picture house became Bluesville which was short lived
They had top blues bands, Alexis Korner and John Mayall which bankrupted them

I believe so Johnny but by that time I think I had moved on ...

I loved the Ritz..it was lush..and I used to work in an office right facing it.

Maureen. The curtains were fascinating.

Albert,I remember my feet sinking in the carpet as soon as I walked through the doors..and the foyer was lovely..then Saturday mornings all singing "We are the boys and girls well known as minors of the ABC",I have a lot of happy memories there...what an awful pity it had to go.

Watched the Godfather here in 1972/73. We managed to get seats at the back. It's the only ever film that I have been to when the audience have applauded at the intermission

Jarvo
I was working in Newquay in 1971. A workmate was reading The Godfather. He couldnt put it down, even tho it was a thick tome. This'll be a film he declared excitedly !

"The Godfather" film and the others that made up the trilogy was groundbreaking, they led to other 'lovelies' such as "Good Fellas and the more recent " The Irishman"... Chilling certainly but couldn't stop watching!

Veronica
Goodfellas must be my fav gangster film of all time. The Godfather was ground-breaking tho. And such powerful acting performances !

If you haven't seen Godfather three,you're missing a treat...it's brilliant.

Maureen/ Johnny watch 'The Irishman' it's 3 hours long but you can pause it on Netflix. It's the usual crew but when they are a lot older, I did not recognise Joe Pesci , Robert is instantly recognisable though.

Maureen/Veronica
I've seen Godfather 3 but must watch again. Had a box set bought for me years ago. And The Irishman is great ! What great actors !
I remember Wigan having three picture houses in 60s. The ABC, the Court and one near to The Clarence Hotel. Great choice. Mind you those days no Duplex Cinemas !
Remember one day I was off work and went and watched Jungle Book cartoon 1967. Must have been half-term , pictures was full of Mums and kids !

I watched " The Deer Hunter' for nth time last night, I never tire of it! There was nothing more exciting than going to the 'pictures' - to think the telly took over, what a load of rubbish it is now. ( well most of it!)

I couldn't agree more Veronica,about TV,I watch mainly documentary type programmes,there is so much rubbish on.If you haven't already seen 'The Foreigner',give a whirl,I think you might enjoy it.

Had my very first date with who was to become my wife Margaret the film was james bond it had george lazenby in it ,needless to to say that was 49 years ago just wish we could relive them happy memories.

Thanks Elizabeth - I will look it up, like you a good documentary and the News is all I see these days... I watch old films on Ytube and now I have Netflix...

Looking at the photo again I didn't realise there was a cafe at one time at the Ritz. It puts a new meaning to 'dining at the Ritz' ....

Wasnt there a dance school in the Ritz ?
And Veronica
Films shown to accompany your meal...Breakfast at Tiffanys, Hamburger Hill, Stake (steak) Out...

Johnnie : " Days of Wine and Roses", " American Pie", " Chocolat" ... ; o))

When it was being built my grandmother was pasing 1by one of the builders fell from high up and was killed.

As a kid it was the ABC Minors I remember most. As a teenager (or near enough!) it was going there watching The Beatles & The Rolling Stones perform. Great fun, but because of the screaming girls (and some boys!)
I never heard any of the songs they were belting out.. Halcyon days!

I remember watching Dirty Dancing there ! Massive main screen and a few smaller ones at the side if i remember.