Far from the last picture show

“It was an evening filled with excitement and anticipation for cinema-goers in Dundee when the Steps Film Theatre opened with a capacity audience on Friday April 27 1979,” writes Stanley Gordon, concluding his picture house retrospective.

“Situated in the Dundee Central Library

complex at Wellgate, the first public screening was of Julia, starring Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave, a film adaptation from Lillian Helman’s book, Pentimento.

“The Steps built up a loyal and discerning clientele and I recall viewing films such as Fanny And Alexander, My Father’s Glory, Enchanted April, Fitzcarraldo, Manon de Sources, and A Room With A View.

“With the future opening of the DCA in 1999, the Steps closed its doors in December 1998. However, I still enjoyed trips of nostalgia to the Secret Cinema screenings and archives showings at the Steps before the recent pandemic and lockdown. Hopefully, these events will be revived in the near future.

“The DCA complex opened in Nethergate in 1999 and it has been a great asset and a lively hub in the city centre. Housing two cinemas, galleries and the Jute cafe/ bar, there is something for everyone in the building.

“The films are of eclectic interests and there are weekly events such as the Citizen Kane Club, Bring A Baby and Cine Sunday screenings. Personally, I enjoy the Citizen Kane Club and also the documentaries, which are interesting and informative.

“There are also the added attractions of live relays from the Met Opera, Bolshoi Ballet and theatre performances. It is good to see that the film industry has survived through difficult times and is still delighting audiences all over the country.”