History of the UPP – Free TalkU

Dream Palaces: A history of the Ultimate Picture Palace and early cinema in Oxford

When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford’s first purpose-built ‘electric theatre’. The technology of projecting moving images on to a screen was still in its infancy, but the ‘cinematograph’ had become wildly popular and a wave of new cinemas quickly followed, offering thrilling entertainment to both Town and Gown.

Join local historian Liz Woolley (www.lizwoolley.co.uk) for this FREE talk and find out more about this fascinating aspect of Oxford’s history. Booking essential.

Arrive early to claim a FREE tea or coffee.

Book tickets

Saturday 22 March

 1.30pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Today (Saturday 22nd March)
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13:30

History of the UPP Talk U
When the Oxford Picture Palace (now the Ultimate Picture Palace) opened in 1911 it was Oxford's first purpose-built 'electric theatre'. Join local historian Liz Woolley for this FREE talk about Oxford's cinema history. Booking essential.

Book here

Find out more

15:15

The Colors Within U
1h 41m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
Vibrant coming-of-age anime from director Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice) about a trio of teenagers who who a high-school band to escape from their various hidden struggles. Winner of Best Animation Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

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17:30

I'm Still Here 15
2h 18m | Portuguese w/ English subtitles
Awards Season 2025
In 1970s Brazil, as the military dictatorship tightens its grip on the country, a mother is forced to rebuild her life after her husband is abducted by police. Powerful drama based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir and winner of Best International Feature at the Oscars.

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20:30

The Last Showgirl 15
1h 28m
A showgirl faces an uncertain future when the Vegas show she's been starring in for decades faces closure. Golden Globe nominee Pamela Anderson delivers a stunning comeback performance in this dazzling story of resilience, reinvention and rhinestones.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 23rd March)
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12:00

Spirited Away PG
2h 5m | English (Dubbed)
Kino Kids Cinema Club
A 10-year-old girl must find her way home after being swept into a magical world teeming with extraordinary spirits and enchanting creatures. Hayao Miyazaki’s stunning, Oscar-winning fantasy adventure returns to the big screen.

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15:00

Memories of Underdevelopment Cert-TBC
1h 37m | Spanish w/ English subtitles
Screen Cuba 2025
After the Bay of Pigs Invasion, a wealthy writer drifts through the streets of Havana after his family flee to Miami. One of the great works of post-revolution Cuban cinema, showing as part of the Screen Cuba 2025 national tour.

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17:15

Vermiglio 15
1h 59m | Italian w/ English subtitles
During the final months of WWII in a remote village in the Alps, the unexpected arrival of a deserting solider causes friction within the family of a respected local teacher. Winner of the Silver Lion at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

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20:00

I'm Still Here 15
2h 18m | Portuguese w/ English subtitles
Awards Season 2025
In 1970s Brazil, as the military dictatorship tightens its grip on the country, a mother is forced to rebuild her life after her husband is abducted by police. Powerful drama based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir and winner of Best International Feature at the Oscars.

Book here


See all upcoming films

Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!

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