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.placeholder image
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 GMT

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

The perimeter fence to Leeds Greyhound Track at Elland Road with notices for car parks and entrances pictured in January 1937. This track opened in 1928 and was demolished in 1982. Now used for industrial purposes.

25. Beeston in the 1930s

The perimeter fence to Leeds Greyhound Track at Elland Road with notices for car parks and entrances pictured in January 1937. This track opened in 1928 and was demolished in 1982. Now used for industrial purposes. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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26. Beeston in the 1930s

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