Rex Cinema on the Ring Road was designed by AV Montague and built by Mathews and sons of Leeds. There was seating for 1,350 people. It opened on February 13, 1939, with the screening of 'We're going to be rich' starring Gracie Fields and Victor McLaglan. It closed in February 1976, the last films were 'Apple Dumpling Gang' and 'Sword in the Stone' The cinema was demolished for the building of a housing estate. In this front view the film advertised is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.Rex Cinema on the Ring Road was designed by AV Montague and built by Mathews and sons of Leeds. There was seating for 1,350 people. It opened on February 13, 1939, with the screening of 'We're going to be rich' starring Gracie Fields and Victor McLaglan. It closed in February 1976, the last films were 'Apple Dumpling Gang' and 'Sword in the Stone' The cinema was demolished for the building of a housing estate. In this front view the film advertised is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Rex Cinema on the Ring Road was designed by AV Montague and built by Mathews and sons of Leeds. There was seating for 1,350 people. It opened on February 13, 1939, with the screening of 'We're going to be rich' starring Gracie Fields and Victor McLaglan. It closed in February 1976, the last films were 'Apple Dumpling Gang' and 'Sword in the Stone' The cinema was demolished for the building of a housing estate. In this front view the film advertised is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

25 beautiful photos take you back to Beeston in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 7th Jan 2024, 04:45 BST
These wonderful photos provide a fascinating glimpse into life around Beeston in the 1930s.

It was a decade which featured entertainment for the masses thanks to the opening of the Rex cinema in the heart of the community, a movie theatre which would go on to thrill film buffs for years to come. The gallery also brings into focus well-known streets such as Dewsbury Road, Old Lane and Elland Road. The images 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: 41 brilliant photos take you back to Beeston in the early 2000s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Underwood's Bakery on Theodore Street. There are advertising signs for Hovis and Turog bread. Goods can be seen in the window. Part of Barkly Terrace can be seen on the right. Pictured in January 1939.

7. Beeston in the 1930s

Underwood's Bakery on Theodore Street. There are advertising signs for Hovis and Turog bread. Goods can be seen in the window. Part of Barkly Terrace can be seen on the right. Pictured in January 1939. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The railway bridge spanning the Ring Road, on the section between Elland Road and Dewsbury Road in September 1935.

8. Beeston in the 1930s

The railway bridge spanning the Ring Road, on the section between Elland Road and Dewsbury Road in September 1935. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Dewsbury Road shops with Allenby Road on the left and Ring Road, Beeston Park on the right. Shops are left to right, William Hubbert, bakers; Whitley Holmes Ltd, butchers; Samuel Driver and Co, grocers. Pictured in September 1936.

9. Beeston in the 1930s

Dewsbury Road shops with Allenby Road on the left and Ring Road, Beeston Park on the right. Shops are left to right, William Hubbert, bakers; Whitley Holmes Ltd, butchers; Samuel Driver and Co, grocers. Pictured in September 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Dewsbury Road in September 1936. Allenby Road is on the left. Shops left to right are W. Hibbert, baker, Whitley Holmes Ltd, butcher and S. Driver and Co, grocer.

10. Beeston in the 1930s

Dewsbury Road in September 1936. Allenby Road is on the left. Shops left to right are W. Hibbert, baker, Whitley Holmes Ltd, butcher and S. Driver and Co, grocer. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Norman Baxter Electrical retailer at number 5 Ring Road, and Mann's Fruiterer, Beeston Park. Pictured in September 1936.

11. Beeston in the 1930s

Norman Baxter Electrical retailer at number 5 Ring Road, and Mann's Fruiterer, Beeston Park. Pictured in September 1936. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Millshaw Beck and bridge on Crow Nest Lane. To the left is Butchers Casing Co Ltd, show Beck Works, Elland Road. Pictured in February 1937.

12. Beeston in the 1930s

Millshaw Beck and bridge on Crow Nest Lane. To the left is Butchers Casing Co Ltd, show Beck Works, Elland Road. Pictured in February 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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