This purpose-built cinema opened in 1922 on the corner of Shirley Road and Janson Road. It was originally owned by Mr. Joe Rose, but became part of the Odeon circuit in 1937, and later joined the Rank Organisation. It closed in 1960 (see newspaper clipping below). The building remained standing into the 21st century and for most of that time was occupied by a furniture shop. The frontage still resembled a cinema, although the decorative coloured tiles that once adorned the upper facade had been removed. The side wall of the building in Janson Road continued to bear the name of the cinema (image 2) until its demolition.
1. Rialto Cinema
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Photograph, c.1950
2. Rialto Cinema
The side of the former cinema, photographed in the 1970s.
2. Rialto Cinema×
3. Former Rialto Cinema
Photograph, c.1975
3. Former Rialto Cinema×
4. Former Rialto Cinema
Photograph, c.1960
4. Former Rialto Cinema×
Newspaper clippings:
And now it's the end of the Rialto
Further reading:
Dream Palaces: Going to the Pictures in Southampton, by Bill White, p62-63. (HS/r)
Southampton Cinemas, by John C. Shepherd. (HS/r)
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