Plaza Cinema on Wellington Road had opened in April 1930, showing Spite Marriage starring Buster Keaton, with seating for 727. It was advertised as being 'last word in comfort', with symphony orchestra and soloists, 'for a short time silent films will be shown - equipment will be installed for talking pictures'. On Monday, June 28, 1937, the film Spy of Napoleon starring Dolly Haas and Richard Bathelmess was screened. It was to be the last, as the cinema was gutted by fire at 4am on Tuesday, June 29, 1937. The outer shell of the cinema was left standing and used for factory premises. The photo is one of 16 showcasing a decade of memories around Wortley in the 1930s. These are photos are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Wortley in the 1930s
A view of the east approach to London, Midland and Scottish Railway Bridge on Whitehall Road in March 1934. The Dragon Inn is on right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Wortley in the 1930s
Whingate junction in January 1939. On the left is Tong Road. A tram is in view, no.16 route, destination the New Inn, Tong Road. At the junction is no.251 Tong Road, green grocers shop of Henry Worsnop, a poster for Leeds Empire Theatre, Dick Whittington the pantomime that season. Upper Wortley Road is to the right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Wortley in the 1930s
The confectioners and tobacconist business of H. Parsons on Leysholme Drive pictured in May 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Wortley in the 1930s
Pawson's Confectioners and Bakery on Leysholme Drive in February 1938. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Wortley in the 1930s
This is Dixon lane at the junction with Whitehall Road in March 1937. At the left are some brick built Railway cottages with a shed and goods yard belonging to the London Midland and Scottish Railway Co Ltd. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Wortley in the 1930s
Factory premises of Petty and Sons on Whitehall Road in May 1936. The business was founded here in 1865 with a workforce of five. By 1900 that had grown to 400. In 1982 Petty's bought out printers Tapp and Toothill. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net