The Rex Cinema, Chapel Street/Trinity Way Junction

Operating as a cinema between 1912 and 1958, Salford Cinema’s life thus far has been bookended as a church. This juxtaposes its reputation as a ‘blood tub’ cinema, one with a reputation for presenting violent or sensational material, especially lurid melodramas. One of the most recognisable cinemas on this walk, its ornate windows, swags and a temple-like structure above the entrance must have made cinema going a heightened experience during its heyday.

Visitors will be able to see "Salford Cinema" carved into the terracotta tiles. This stayed in place even after the name change to The Rex Cinema. Unfortunately, slum clearances and the advent of television hit the theatre hard and it was forced to change into a bingo hall during the 1950s.

Alfred Williams remembers the singers who entertained crowds in between pictures at the cinemas he visited in Salford. This was a regular occurrence in the 1910s and 20s but not always embraced by younger audiences.

Image: ABC Cinema ABC Cinema Deansgate, 1976 Ref: m09190