HOLLYWOOD’S golden age and the heyday of British cinema is revealed in a fascinating document submitted by Messenger reader, Keith Vernon.

The Partington resident sent in a copy of a monthly programme of films to be shown at the Regal Cinema in Altrincham during April 1946.

The wartime screenings star various screen giants of the era, including the likes of Gregory Peck and Joan Crawford.

Movies include American spy film, Above Suspicion, British thriller, Murder in Reverse and the Oscar winning Perfect Strangers.

“For the benefit of younger readers, the Regal was the ‘poshest’ of Altrincham’s cinemas,” said Keith.

“It was one of three – four, if you include the Hale cinema – alongside the Hippodrome and the Picture Theatre.”

Located in Manchester Road, the cinema was replaced by the Roberts House office block after being destroyed by a fire.

Lost Memory on Cinematreasures.org writes: “The Regal Super Cinema opened on May 13, 1931 with 1,786 seats.

“It was operated by the Snape and Ward circuit and was equipped with a Compton 3Manual/11Rank organ with an illuminated console.

“The cinema also had a cafe. It was taken over by the Union Cinemas Ltd chain in February 1937, and they were taken over by Associated British Cinemas (ABC) in October 1937.

“The Regal Super Cinema was destroyed by a fire after the performance on the evening of January 6, 1956.”

What are your memories of the Regal Cinema and cinema-going in Altrincham? Did you watch any classics at the cinemas in town?

Add your thoughts below, email sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk or write to Messenger Newspapers, Alexander House, 94 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, M16 0PG.