Home » Poems » Gary Radice » Now Showing At The Albany

Notes About The Poem

Originally published: 17th March 2020

Image: OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

This poem was placed 1st in the "A Brian Strand Your Pick" contest sponsored by Brian Strand (Judged 8th September 2021)

Dedicated to what was my local cinema in the 1960s and the 1970s.

Now Showing At The Albany

The line of people out the door.
The queue that snaked around the floor.
The building's sleek art deco style.
The carpets' faded plush red pile.

The "Coming Soon" in convex frames.
The "Showing Now" and big star names.
The James Bond pose in poster shots.
The tickets from the kiosk slots.

The heavy doors that often creaked.
The seats on springs that always squeaked.
The fan shaped lights along the side.
The screen that stretched up high and wide.

The smoke that swirled inside the beam.
The shapes and sounds of Pearl And Dean.
The adverts that had overrun.
The trailers for the films to come.

The feature that would come on first.
The sudden pangs of extreme thirst.
The usherette's cool ice cream stint.
The fancy names like Midnight Mint.

The expectations in the place.
The action of the opening chase.
The talking scenes that went nowhere.
The plastic cup beneath my chair. 

The glance at watches in poor light.
The stunts and guns and final fight.
The seats that sprung as credits rolled.
The exit doors and night time cold.

childhoodfilmmemoryrhyme

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Susan Ashley

December 17, 2022 at 4:41 PM

Dear Gary, your eloquent reverie is expressed with a rollicking rhythm and fantastic rhymes. The amazing imagery is offered at a wonderfully nimble pace. A graceful and wistful piece with a great last line for a grand finale. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Gary Radice

December 18, 2022 at 2:47 AM

Thank you Susan. When it came to putting this poem together I made a list of all my memories of the cinema (basically a whole load of childhood images) then cut them up and rearranged them in a way that they could best rhyme. Looking back, my childhood is a set of images and scenes that have stayed with me all this time. Thanks again for your wonderful compliments. Cheers - Gary

John Watt

December 14, 2022 at 8:57 PM

I find that the film and the venue make a powerful pairing of memories. Looking back to the significant movies of my teens and twenties I can recall at which theater I enjoyed them: The Sting, Jaws, Brigadoon, The Poseiden Adventure, Papillon, American Graffiti, Chariots of Fire, The Deer Hunter, My Dinner with Andre, E.T. (I grew up in a large city, so all of these were experienced in different theaters). Your power of perception and eye for nostalgia are in fine form with this creation, Gary. Congratulations for your recent win. Cheers ~ John

Gary Radice

December 15, 2022 at 12:31 AM

Hi John. You've mentioned reels and reels of wonderful films there. Maybe it was my age or maybe the times but when I hark back to the 70s and think of The Last Picture Show, Taxi Driver, One Flew Over The Cookoos Nest, Alien, Manhattan etc I recall fondly what I consider the last golden age of cinema. I could write so many poems about the times and the films. I caught many of the new releases at The Odeon in Liverpool but a couple of weeks later the big films made their way to The Albany. :) Thanks so much John for your wonderful comments and film memories. Cheers - Gary

Lin Lane

December 8, 2022 at 11:21 AM

Your detailed memories are a tribute to how much your local cinema meant to you. Congratulations on your placement in Mile 21, Gary.

Gary Radice

December 9, 2022 at 3:33 AM

Thanks Lin. I just shut my eyes and was transported back in time. The words just flowed. I really miss the old style cinemas. The 70s particularly were, for me, the last golden age of cinema when story ruled over SFX Thanks again. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman

December 8, 2022 at 11:13 AM

Gary, what a wonderful homage to the old movie theaters with the smell of popcorn, the sound of squeaky seats and the hush of wonder and awe at the miracle of the silver screen. Like Mark, you took me back to the Roycroft Theater on Saturday afternoons! Double features for $.50! Thank you for that gift! Congratulations on your win!!! Cheers of joy to you.

Gary Radice

December 9, 2022 at 3:28 AM

Thanks Sam. The Albany is now a supermarket. I drove past the place where it once stood recently and felt quite sad. The Beatles actually appeared at a charity concert at The Albany in October 1961 when concerts were held there. Sigh! :) Cheers - Gary

Mark Toney

December 7, 2022 at 11:29 AM

Gary, your 28 lines, each emphasized with "The," took me back to my youth when the weekend matinees were 50 cents, and I pretty much went each weekend. A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 21 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 22 has already started.

Mark Toney

December 7, 2022 at 3:41 PM

Sorry to hear you’re under the weather, Gary. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Gary Radice

December 7, 2022 at 2:11 PM

Thanks Mark. Glad you like it. My placing cheered me up as at present I'm suffering from a chest infection, conjunctivitis and almost everything else this English winter can throw at me. I'll try summoning the energy for the next mile. Appreciate the placement, comments and fav. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman

August 9, 2021 at 1:20 PM

A night at the movies with all of its sights, smells, sounds and tastes all brought back in your delightful descriptive lines Gary! Nothing beats a Friday night flick and dinner especially with friends! Congratulations on your win!

Gary Radice

August 9, 2021 at 1:29 PM

Sam, I used to LOVE going to the cinema. Such an experience with the packed houses, giant screens and an assault on the senses. ..hey, and no mobile phones! :) Thanks for your lovely comments. Take care. Cheers - Gary

Michelle Faulkner

February 12, 2021 at 12:29 PM

I miss going to the movies - this gave me that experience, congrats on your win, Gary :)

Gary Radice

February 12, 2021 at 12:38 PM

I do too Michelle...nothing beats the cinema. Thank you for visiting. :)

Unseeking Seeker

February 10, 2021 at 7:08 PM

Nostalgic! So well portrayed, with each nuance emoted! Congrats on your win!

Gary Radice

February 11, 2021 at 1:15 AM

Thank you for the visit, read and comments Unseeking Seeker. The Albany sadly gave way to a discount supermarket. :(

David Kavanagh

February 10, 2021 at 2:35 PM

Your eye for detail Gary, is like a photographic image only whilst reading your poem, did all those memories flood back to me, so well written, in you own inimitable lyrical style, congratulations cheers David

David Kavanagh

February 10, 2021 at 8:36 PM

We also had a flea house, apparently just before my time, they would accept 2 empty jam jars in lieu of admission fee,

Gary Radice

February 10, 2021 at 2:46 PM

David, thanks. I think if a place means so much to you then you never forget it. I loved The Albany. It may have been called 'The Flea Pit' by locals but it was a wonderful flea pit. :)