The Futurist

The Futurist

Cannon Birmingham

A bold gesture in Birmingham’s early film landscape, the Futurist opened in 1919 after a long gestation period with delays in construction caused by the war.

Its proprietor Sol Levy – who also owned the Scala – was passionate about good design and music, and both were important selling points for the cinema during the 1920s.

In March 1929 it was the first Birmingham picture-house to show ‘talkies’, leading to queues around the block and the loss of the Futurist’s in-house orchestra.

Split into two screens during the early 80s and later became a Cannon, finally closing with Robin Hood Prince of Thieves in 1991.

81-91 John Bright St, Birmingham B1 1BL

Get your own mini Futurist cinema, created by Spaceplay. Visit the shop.

“Little more than a decade ago few people regarded the moving picture as a possible permanency in our sphere of entertainment. 

But ‘the few’ who did were right, and to-day the scepticism which then existed is no more.”

We’d love to hear about your film-going experiences in Birmingham. From memories of amazing screenings or communal experiences, to grand days out at the pictures or more personal recollections. How has visiting the cinema shaped your life, and your experience of our city?

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Saw Morons from outer space here. Cinema after closure was a gentlemans club for a short while. Building is still standing currently disused.

Last edited 3 months ago by Ed Evans
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