ABC

Associated British Cinema once formed the largest single chain of picture houses in Britain, and at its peak entertained 5,000,000 film fans each week. Created by Scotsman John Maxwell, it was the exhibition arm of the Associated British Picture Corporation, and much of it survives in the MGM/Cannon chain. This study examines the creation of the circuit, describing purpose-built cinemas and the major acquisitions of existing cinemas, the booking policy, live shows and organ interludes, the respomse to 3-D and CinemaScope, and the devastating effects of declining audiences. Also included is a listing of nearly 600 ABC cinemas, plus the titles of all the main films given an ABC circuit release from 1937 to 1980.