Your memories: It wasn't the blackout that bothered us, it was the Ham Bone beasties

Published on Saturday 12 April 2008 11:02

THE toughest bit about a trip to the cinema these days is choosing which film to see, or whether to plump for popcorn over a hot dog. Audrey Souter, 75, from Leith, remembers going to the cinema during the Second World War as being a bit more challenging.

"I used to go to the Alhambra Cinema, on Leith Walk every Saturday with my pals. We used to call it the Ham Bone Cinema, although I never had a clue why.

"We had to walk carefully up Leith Walk with a torch showing us the way because the blackouts meant that it was completely dark in the evenings. We'd end up bumping into lampposts all the way there."

In order to ensure she could fill up on sweets during the film, Audrey remembers carefully saving her sweet rations during the week.

"You could still buy your sweets at the cinema, but not without your coupons. You got sweet rations of two ounces a week, which didn't go far with me. I would always be so disappointed when my friends had sweets and I didn't.

"Going to the cinema was as popular during the war as ever. I would get my sixpence pocket money, and the ticket would be fourpence. There were a lot more war films shown then of course, but I didn't mind. One of my favourites was In Which We Serve."

Audrey also remembers that cinema hygiene standards were not quite what they are today.

"You could have a cigarette during a film in those days, so the cinema would be completely thick with smoke. A wee man would come round with an air freshener trying to get rid of all the smell.

"He also had a spray to get rid of insects. The place was a flea pit. You we're likely to catch something just by going to the cinema."

The Alhambra Cinema, on Leith Walk was open from 1914 till 1958. The building was demolished in 1974.