Odeon Cinema, Stockport Road, Guide Bridge, Ashton Under Lyne, Greater Manchester
Originally intended as the Verona Cinema, it was bought by Oscar Deutsch and opened as the Odeon in June 1936. After closing in 1961, it became St Paul's Church, with much of the original interior removed. The church moved in 2010, and the building was used by a property lettings company.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.
