ABC Bournemouth

ABC Bournemouth is a movie theater in Bournemouth in Dorset, England, constructed in 1937. The theater is currently owned by Odeon Cinemas.

History
Originally named 'The Westover Super Cinema', the 'ABC Bournemouth' was built for and operated by Associated British Cinemas (ABC). The structure was designed by ABC's 'in-house' architect William Riddle Glen in a striking Art Deco style, and first opened on June 19, 1937 with a showing of the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film Shall We Dance. It was constructed adjacent to 'The Westover Palace Cinema', which closed the night before 'The Westover Super Cinema' opened.

In 1951 the theater hosted the world premiere of the Vera Ellen and David Niven musical film Happy Go Lovely. LAter in 1951 the theater hosted the United Kingdom premiere of the MGM film Showboat. In March 1958, the Westover Cinema was re-named ABC.

In 1969 the theater was closed for renovation and re-opened in 1970 as a twin cinema. A new facade over he entrance hid the original art deco frontage.

In 1983 the theater was taken over by the Cannon Group and re-named 'Cannon'. In 1992 it came under control of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and was re-named the 'MGM'. ABC managed a buyout in 1996, and in 2000 it came under the control of Odeon.