Forum Topic

Commodore Hammersmith corner of kings street and St Peters Sq.

Hi I came across a Flickr Photo gallery of the old Commodore on King street, I had not realised what a amazing looking cinema this was. This building was some much nicer than the one it replaced having walked past this site so many time it nice to see what was once there. Here is the link to the photos. https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/albums/72157623650842291If you interested  in see all the old London cinemas that used to be most of the Art Deco here is the link.https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/albums/with/72157602933173832

A. Whitehouse ● 692d17 Comments

Those old locals of a certain age may remember the pandemonium  at the ABC Commodore when the film ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK (with Bill Haley) was shown.Dancing like mad in the isles was in contrast to the grey lives we led in the 1950s.It was a  new mood we deserved!

Jim Lawes ● 682d

https://www.discogs.com/release/3188252-Pink-Floyd-A-Nice-PairPicture on top right of the sleeve. The album was a re-issue of their first two LPs.

Richard Greenhough ● 682d

I didn't know that Richard. His son made a successful career in the media world and maybe the music business as well.

Adrian Irving ● 682d

I recall a photo of Mr Phang's premises was included on the cover of a Pink Floyd album.

Richard Greenhough ● 682d

Not so very long ago there was a dental practice opposite.The dentist's name?Mr Phang!Maidments anybody?

Adrian Irving ● 683d

And across the road from the Commodore was the Sports Shop at No.6 CHR run by Walley Barnes the Arsenal footballer!And around the corner in St Peters Square was Island Records. Roxy Music etc.St Peter's Square was also a location for the filming of Beatice Potter with Rene Z etc!

Jim Lawes ● 683d

I always remembered seeing the name of the actress who opened the cinema , on the foundation stone - Tallulah Bankhead - what a great sounding name !

David Burke ● 683d

Was there a smaller cinema along King Street called The Classic? I have a vague recollection of going there and a man coming round with a tea urn on his back in the intervals, God it was awful!

Vanessa Smith ● 683d

'Us youngsters in the 1940s and early 1950s used to go to the Commodore on Saturday mornings to see suitable films.'Yes, remember it well, also the Granada in Acton for Saturday morning flicks.

Vanessa Smith ● 683d

Adrian.When I started working there in August 61. A Mr Boot was the electrical contracting side of the business. An older couple who I believe owned the business ran the shop next to cinema at 393 ( the old entrance door to the side is still there).I didn’t have a lot to do with shop side of the business as our work shop and stores were at the rear of the building.After working there for 2 or 3 years, the couple that ran the business retired and sold the whole business to Mr Boot and his wife. You couldn’t mistake mr Boot for anyone else, as his right eye permanently looked towards his nose.Mr  Boot and his wife then went on the run the shop and the day to day contracting business was run by his secretary.It does seem a small world Adrian.As I had a similar Saturday job delivering for Catos in Acton Lane. Used to carry A 5 Gallon drum of paraffin on the front of a trade bike, and go round to different houses and fill up there 1 gallon can left on there doorstep.My best delivery was an extension ladder, when closed down was  10 ft long.I could only carry it on way across the bike, so there was I merrily peddling along the high  road on my way to Percy Road in Shepherd’s Bush, creating a 10ft wide rolling road block.I didn’t get one word of abuse or honk of the horn as most people who saw me were in hysterics.Happy days 😂

Bernard Allen ● 683d

Small world Bernard. Fullers had an off licence on the other side of the road where I got a holiday job as a delivery boy peddling booze around the area on an "Open All Hours Bicycle".PS I seem to remember Sydney was hard of hearing and ran the business with his wife. Am I right?

Adrian Irving ● 684d

I started work at Sydney Helyers electrical contractor next to the cinema.Left school and started work a week later and stayed 7 years Main work was Fullers Pubs and Off-licence’s, refurbishment

Bernard Allen ● 684d

The Regal Hammersmith, opened in 1936 and get renamed teh ABC Cinema in 1964.It when through a few other names, Cannons, Virgin Cinemas then UGC which is now now as Cineworld. It was force to close as Hammersmith Council would not renew it licence even through Cineworld was going to spend 1.3 million improving the Cinema. The Council wanded the land for the expantion of the Town Hall. histroy herehttps://cinematreasures.org/theaters/3773Photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/albums/72157603266778849

A. Whitehouse ● 684d

Jim, indeed. My big brother went regularly. I was too young.Norman's garage and Helliers Electrical was either side.I loved the Regal, it had a real sense of place.Apparently a cinema is planned as part of the redevelopment,won't be the same though.

Adrian Irving ● 684d

Just adding that the Commodore used to have a Wurlitzer type organ playing to us ... whilst we tucked into Wall's ice creams supplied by waitresses.Along the road towards Hammersmith Broadway...was another cinema called the Regal

Jim Lawes ● 684d

Us youngsters in the 1940s and early 1950s used to go to the Commodore on Saturday mornings to see suitable films.We were called ABC Minors and our badge  can be googled!

Jim Lawes ● 684d

fantastic- i wasnt aware there was ever a cinema on that plot.thanks

Tim Garfoot ● 684d