Odeon Stourbridge
67 High Street,
Stourbridge,
DY8 1DX
67 High Street,
Stourbridge,
DY8 1DX
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Odeon Theatres Ltd., Rank Organisation
Firms: Webb & Gray
Styles: Art Deco, Neo-Classical
Previous Names: Central Cinema
Nearby Theaters
The Central Cinema was opened on 16th May 1929 with the German silent film “Love’s Crucifixion” (Liebesholle) staring Ala Suminska. It was built and operated by an independent company. Designed by Dudley based architectural firm Webb & Gray, it had a mix of Neo Classical and the (by then) new Art Deco styles. Seating was provided in stalls and a horseshoe shaped balcony. The Central Cinema was equipped with a Compton 3Manual/10Ranks organ, which was opened by organist John Howlett.
In around May 1937, it was taken over by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theatres Ltd. and was re-named Odeon in January 1938.
The Compton organ was removed in 1958. The Odeon was closed by the Rank Organisation on 16th June 1973 with Warren Beatty in “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Blind Terror”. The cinema was converted into Stringers department store. It later became Owen & Owen department store. This closed in 1990 and the building was demolished. A Wilkinsons store was built on the site.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
After the closure I removed the illuminated clock from the rear of the stalls, and the art deco wall lights, and the ‘Linolite’ signs showing ‘Gents, 'Ladies’ ‘Projection Room’, and ‘Exit’. Still have these….
I saw the Aristocats there with loads of smoke going into the projection beams. Would love to see pics of your relics Steve. Some pics on Facebook of the interior in 1986. Criminal demolition – practically intact.
Stringers Department Store was set up before Owen Owen on that Odeon site
I have fond and vivid memories of this cinema while growing up in Stourbridge in the 1960’s, especially the children’s Saturday Morning Pictures where the stage was frequently used by local bands and for competitions. With its beautiful auditorium and facilities the Odeon should never have been demolished. The venue could well have served the area in the future as a concert hall or for other theatrical use.