Today there are around 25 cinemas to choose from in Edinburgh – ranging from the tiny screen in The Banshee Labyrinth pub to the huge multiplex Vue at Ocean Terminal.
But in the recent past there was barely an Edinburgh neighbourhood that didn’t have its own local film house.
In the first half of the 20th century there were more than 120 cinemas opened in the capital.
It was the heyday of the silver screen when there was no other way to see your favourite actor’s latest performance or the new must-see awards contender.
And there was plenty of local talent on show – from the wee dog who played Greyfriars Bobby, to Sean Connery making the role of James Bond his own.
Many of the cinemas ended up being demolished or were turned into bingo halls from the late 1960s when people started to stay at home in front of the television instead.
In the week when it’s been announced that the Edinburgh Filmhouse is to close we take a trip back to what was happening in Edinburgh’s cinemas over 50 years ago.
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9. Closing down sale
Furniture being sold off after the closure of the Alhambra Cinema, on Leith Walk, in August 1959. Photo: Unknown
10. Stars take aim
Actors Herbert Lom and Gia Scala at the New Victoria Cinema in 1960 for the premiere of 'I Aim at the Stars' as part of the Edinburgh Festival. Photo: TSPL
11. Long service award
Mrs H McGlinchey receives a cheque after working as a cleaner for 15 years at Edinburgh's Ritz Cinema in August 1964. Photo: Unknown
12. In the club
An 'International Night' at the Playhouse Cinema arranged by the Leith Soroptimist Club in October 1965. Photo: Stan Warburton