ThePlaza Cinema opened in April 1930 showing 'Spite Marriage' starring Buster Keaton, seating for 727. The cinema was advertised as being 'last word in comfort', with symphony orchestra and soloists, 'for a short time silent films will be shown - equipment will be installed for talking pictures'. The film 'Spy of Napoleon' starring Dolly Haas and Richard Bathelmess was shown on Monday, June 28, 1937. It was to be the last, as the cinema was gutted by fire at 4am Tuesday, June 29, 1937. The outer shell of the cinema was left standing - pictured here in August 1937 - and was used for factory premises. The photo is one of 12 charting life around Wortley during the decade with local landmarks and familiar streets in focus. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Armley, Wortley and Farnley LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Wortley in the 1930s
Plaza Cinema on Wellington Road pictured in August 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Wortley in the 1930s
Puro Soap works on Whitehall Road pictured in July 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Wortley in the 1930s
Two shops with living quarters on Whitehall Road pictured in November 1938. No.385 on the left is a newsagents, H.Kirby, no.387 is a fish and chip shop 'Sunshine Fisheries' business of George Brown. The advertising board on the pavement carries a poster for 'Film Fun' comic with a free George Formby songbook. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Wortley in the 1930s
Fawcett Lane improvement pictured in September 1934. Stone gateposts with iron gates and railings, surrounding grassy area with trees. Waste ground in foreground. Distant view of houses and factory chimney. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Wortley in the 1930s
The railway bridge running over Gelderd Road in October 1935. On the left hand side is a big billboard for Oxo with a big picture of Henry VIII and the message; 'Henry VIII had six wives - your home comfort is Oxo.' Bridge has a minimum headroom of 15'-10". Billboard on the right says; 'Marsh's Sausages - The World's Best.' | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Wortley in the 1930s
Gelderd Road at the point where it crosses the London Midland and Scottish Railway. A City Engineer's note says "Weak Bridge LM&S Rly No. 43. 3 tons one axle 5 tons total". On the right is part of the disused Ravells Pit and a row of three terraced houses, with a chimney behind belonging to a chemical works. Pictured in September 1935. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net