The ABC cinema, on the corner of Lothian Road, Edinburgh, in September 1979placeholder image
The ABC cinema, on the corner of Lothian Road, Edinburgh, in September 1979 | TSPL

Scotland retro: 48 glittering photos show cinemas, film crews and movie stars in the 50s, 60s and 70s

These nostalgic black-and-white photos come with a sprinkling of stardust.

They show the movie industry in Scotland during the 50s, 60s and 70s, including lost cinemas, big screen icons and filming taking place around the country.

Some of the biggest stars of their day, including Cary Grant, Brigitte Bardot, Dirk Bogarde and Orson Welles, are pictured attending premieres or checking into hotels.

Home-grown legend Sean Connery is seen being besieged by autograph-hunters at the premiere of the latest James Bond film, with his proud mum and dad also shown enjoying their big night out.

Shooting is pictured taking place for films and TV shows, including The 39 Steps, on the Forth Bridge, and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

The Queen is pictured attending a special screening at the ABC Cinema, while Beatles fans are shown queuing around the block to see their idols at the peak of their fame in the 60s.

Away from the glamour of famous visitors and fancy opening nights, these photos also capture the experience of ordinary filmgoers, like the gaggle of excited youngsters licking lollies in the stalls as they wait to watch The Sound of Music.

The drama is not confined to the screen in these photos. They also show firefighters tackling blazes at some of Scotland’s best-loved cinemas, and demolition taking place at another.

Do these photos bring back any happy memories for you? What do you think was the best film made in the 50s, 60s or 70s?

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