This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

Opening of Chingford Odeon

Short newsreel item on the construction of the art deco Chingford Odeon, produced for showing in the cinema on its opening day.

Non-Fiction 1935 1 mins

Overview

Short item on the construction of the Odeon cinema in Chingford, east London, made for showing in the cinema itself on its opening day, 9 September 1935, within the newsreel Universal Talking News. The cinema's striking art deco design, and its huge tower that dominated the district, offered an image of exoticism and luxury intended to entice regular patronage, a fact reiterated in the commentary.

The Odeon cinema (renamed the Classic in 1967) was located in Cherrydown Avenue in Chingford. Demolished shortly after being closed in 1972, the site is currently occupied by a discount shop.

Genres

Non-Fiction

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Chingford

Language

English

Subjects

Watch for free

School Sports at Walthamstow Stadium School Sports at Walthamstow Stadium

Amateur film 1964 3 mins Silent Location: Chingford

At now-demolished Walthamstow Stadium, an amateur filmmaker captures the thrills of a sports day as well as the arena's famed Art Deco facade

Watch for free

Chingford Carnival Procession 1964 Chingford Carnival Procession 1964

Amateur film 1964 2 mins Silent Location: Chingford

Children and adults alike soak up the festive atmosphere as they wave ribbon wands, horse around and make merry at a north-east London carnival

Watch for free

Tests from Aeroplanes Tests from Aeroplanes

Non-Fiction 1916 13 mins Silent Location: Chingford

Developing the lifebelt of the air - or "how the stranglehold demon was exorcised"

Watch for free

Wheel in Britain Wheel in Britain

Documentary 1953 27 mins Location: London

Speeding round Britain by bike: taking in the scenery in a 1,600-mile competitive tour.

Watch for free

New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine

Short documentary 2025 4 mins

Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.

Watch for free

Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A

Inside Film 2025 30 mins

The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.