Odeon Cinema, South Square, Boston, Lincolnshire
Built in 1937 for Odeon, the first screening was 'Dark Journey' starring Onrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh. It was taken over by Classic Cinemas in 1967, renamed the Haven Cinema in 1981, and used as a dance venue in the 1990s. It was demolished in 1999. The Odeon cinema company was founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch. During the 1930s, it grew to become one of the country’s major chains of cinemas. The first five Odeon cinemas opened in 1933, and by 1936 there were 142 across the country. Although each Odeon was unique, the use of a set range of architectural features meant that most of the cinemas were instantly recognisable as an 'Odeon', with their distinctive Modernist style. The slogan, ‘Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation’ (ODEON) was also synonymous with the brand.
