Closed cinemas in Kingston upon Hull

In 1898 William Morton's Theatre Royal showed a 'Veriscope' film, probably the first time any film was shown in a Hull theatre.^[1] The Prince's Hall was the first purpose-built cinema in Kingston upon Hull, and was opened in George Street by Morton in 1910 (renamed the Curzon 1955). As Hull embraced the new age of public entertainment, attendances at traditional theatre declined. Luxurious cinemas, taking their inspiration from theatres and music halls, were built to accommodate audiences in almost every neighbourhood in the city.^[2] By 1914, there were 29 cinemas, theatres and halls showing films in the city. The London and Provincial Cinema Company owned the Hippodrome; the National Electric Picture Theatres owned the Theatre de Luxe, but Morton's was the largest and most influential cinema chain in Hull.^[1]

Since 1895, Morton had been a leading light in theatre and then, from 1910, also cinema. However, in 1935, with decline in theatre going, his long reign and businesses came to an end. Associated Hull Cinemas Ltd became the largest circuit in the city, owning 11 cinemas, and this enabled them to command the best films.^[3] The consortium later bought the Prince's Hall. Another expanding speculative group, City and Suburban Cinemas (Hull) Ltd, built the Regal, the Rex, the Regis, and the Royalty in rapid succession.

The number of cinemas in Hull peaked at 36 in 1938. British film making flourished during the war years and cinema attendances were much higher,^[4] but by the end of the Second World War there were only 25 (several had been bombed). By 1964 competition from radio and television (and latterly bingo) reduced the number of cinemas to 10.^[1]

A number of old picture houses remain around Kingston upon Hull, one the former National Picture Theatre is a ruin from the Hull Blitz; others have been converted to different uses.