Aaben Cinema
Jackson Cresent,
Manchester,
M15
Jackson Cresent,
Manchester,
M15
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Was manager / programmer there 1984 - 1990. Will never forget this most important phase of my life running the Aaben and sadly, the last few years of the cinema’s life.
I only ever knew this house as The York and visited it in the 50s with my cousin, who lived nearby, whenever I stayed over on weekends. My one lasting impression of the place was that it had a very small, postage stamp, screen compared to others I frequented.
This was a great cinema. Large seats and nice cafe. Very civilised. I remember turning up with my GF to see a Bogie double bill of Casablanca and the Maltese falcon. It was full booked, but they put on an extra show at midnight. Saw Barabarella, Breaking away and many other classics circa 1980
I used to walk past this cinema every day on the way to and from school. I finally got to go inside when I was taken by my mother, along with my brother and sisters to see Honey I Shrunk the Kids. I remember it being really impressive inside, live a classic old fashioned cinema. There weren’t many other people in the showing, although I do remember my mother’s partner getting up at one point and telling a group of kids at the back to be quiet. Going off the main entry here, that must have been very close the cinema’s closure in 1991. Even though I only went once, I remember a tinge of sadness seeing it pulled down.
I worked has a trainee projectionist at this Aaben cinema for about 3 months after leaving school in 1977. Even then it was a magnificent building inside. Always remember my last job when finishing at night was to go down into the basement and turn off all the exterior lights. Still sends shivers down my spine to this day. I did used to sneak down there with one of the young usherettes when all the films were running (young love). The manager used to send me to the bank with the weeks takings every week.(not an undertaking I would like to do now)
I have very fond memories of this cinema in the 1970s. Saw many iconic films including China town, one flew over the cuckoos nest, the tenant and themroc! Vince.
scan of a flyer for the Aaben Cinetheque from Oct 1988 (or possibly 1989)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2313596474/