The Odeon cinema in Bury St Edmunds, designed by Oscar Deutsch, opened its doors on July 5, 1937. This Art-Deco structure featured a remarkable seating capacity of 1,400, becoming the first cinema in the area specifically designed for sound films.
The Grand Opening of the Odeon
At its opening ceremony, the national anthem was played. Key attendees included the mayor, Councillor Robert Olle, and J. Maitland Wilson, who helped facilitate a charity event raising £30 for a children’s ward extension at West Suffolk Hospital. The evening featured a musical interlude from the 2nd Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers, directed by Mr E.J. Talbot-Haywood.
Oscar Deutsch: The Visionary
Oscar Leopold Deutsch, born in 1893, was a pioneering figure in cinema. After working for his father’s scrap metal business, he developed a fascination for film. By 1928, he opened his first cinema, and by 1937, he owned 250 Odeons across the UK. Deutsch was an influential leader in the film industry until his death in 1941.
Architectural Excellence
The Odeon was designed by George Coles, an architect known for his Art Deco cinema designs in the 1920s and 1930s. Notable features included exceptional acoustics and ventilation, with air changes occurring every three-and-a-half minutes. Construction relied on British materials, emphasizing quality and regional craftsmanship.
Opening Night Highlights
- The evening began with British Movie-tone News.
- Followed by a cartoon, “Three Little Wolves.”
- The main feature was “Beloved Enemy,” starring Merle Oberon.
Admission prices were set at just 6d for downstairs seating. The theatre quickly became a staple in the community.
Transition and Closure
In 1975, the Odeon was leased to the Brent-Walker Group and rebranded as The Focus. However, changing entertainment trends and the rise of home media contributed to its decline. After its final showing of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on October 30, 1982, the cinema closed its doors for good.
Demolition and Future Plans
The Odeon was demolished in 1983, leading to the construction of Cornhill Walk, a shopping mall. However, this development faced challenges, including a lack of anchor tenants and competition from nearby shopping centers. As of 2016, new proposals for reconfiguring the site are under consideration, focusing on retail and residential spaces.
As the community reflects on the Odeon’s legacy, there remains hope for a revitalized space that honors the history of cinema in Bury St Edmunds.
