Hollywood was churning out war movies showcasing World War 2 battles with Germans and also the Western movies with famed actors like John Wayne, Charlton Heston for viewers.

For a comfortable view of the big screen upgrade, moviegoers can pay RM1.50 to RM2 for a seat on the first floor of the theatre.

Normally, there was a food parlour for guests to buy their snacks and drinks before entering the show.

As time evolved and theatres unable to compete with the new cineplexes and advent of home theatre, video, handphone technology, many of these theatres had to either be turned into other business premises or just closed down.

The Lido was a Chinese restaurant for a while, The nearby Cathay building is now operating as a shopping centre with lots of Digi outlets.

Then there was the Ruby theater which has become a furniture shop. Further down the road was the Grand cinema which also has lots of funfair-like activities. It was also converted into a night spot with live bands.

The Odeon was also a popular venue in the heart of the city. It was converted into a night spot known as Rainbow City and later a food court.

Other cinemas were the Rex, Capitol, Sun and the Majestic to name a few. Over in the Buntong area was the Glory theater.

(Picture credit to Ipoh Discovery Channel)