ULAS
University of Leicester Archaeological Services

Annual Report 2001

A Palace of Dreams - Recording a 1930s Cinema, Northampton

Historic building survey formed an increasing part of the work of ULAS in 2001, including a rare departure from our normal repertoire of domestic and industrial structures; the recording of a twentieth-century modernist building in Northampton, the grade II listed Savoy Cinema (latterly the ‘Cannon’). The building was designed by the house architect for Associated British Cinemas (ABC), W.R. Glen, and opened its doors in 1936 with a showing of ‘Broadway Melody’ starring Jack Benny and Eleanor Powell. Coverage of the opening of the cinema in the local paper, the Chronicle and Echo extols the virtues of the new building, regarded as ‘the last word in comfort, splendour and modern equipment’.

The building, which could accommodate 1,954 persons, including circle seating of 696, was furnished with a state-of-the-art air conditioning plant, projection and sound systems and could be evacuated in minutes in the event of fire. The cinema had full stage facilities and was the venue for many famous live acts including, in November 1963, the Beatles who performed ten numbers on stage, culminating with ‘Twist and Shout’ during ‘twenty-six minutes of mass frenzy’. Two additional screens were installed in the 1970s and the cinema finally closed in 1995 after a showing of ‘Pulp Fiction’. The building is now owned by the Jesus Army Charitable trust - sponsors of the survey - who propose to turn it into a worship and care centre.

English Heritage has recognised the value of cinema history and has undertaken a study of surviving buildings throughout the country, with a view to adding to those already on the statutory lists, noting that ‘many cinemas and former cinema buildings are not only a unique, but a much loved, part of our culture’. Survey of the Savoy has shown that it survives remarkably intact as one of the few remaining examples of purpose-built 1930s ‘super cinemas’ of the ABC chain in the region.

The safety and comfort of the audience along with a desire to create an atmosphere of opulence and escapism as part of the picture-going experience was clearly at the forefront of the architect’s brief. Hence, the building is not only innovative in terms of architecture and interior decoration, but also in terms of provision for fire prevention, means of escape and environmental controls.

Although some damage has occurred to the original facade and entrance hall, the main auditorium is largely intact, with its magnificent proscenium arch, balcony and concealed lighting, was regarded as one of the most remarkable features of the building at the time of closure.

The illuminated console of the Compton organ would originally have risen from the centre of the stage. The organ not only produced a wide range of musical effects, but its lighting could also be made to change in harmony with the sounds. The original decoration in all public parts of the cinema has long since disappeared under later rather garish paintwork (see back cover), but the survey and documentary research has provided valuable information which will inform future restoration proposals.

The project has proved to be most rewarding and has highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to the recording of historic structures, using evidence not only from original survey, but from documentary sources, such as newspaper reports, eyewitness accounts and original building plans.