The 60s may not have had the huge multiplex cinemas we are used to seeing today but going to see films was still big business. There were smaller picture houses but lots more of them. However, as television became more popular, fewer people visited cinemas and many were closed down. Some of them were turned into Bingo Halls as Bingo was becoming very popular in Britain at that time.
One type of film which was hugely popular in the 60s was science fiction. The space race had everyone imagining life beyond Earth and movies such as The Day of the Triffids (1963), Planet of the Apes (1968) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) reflected this trend.
One of the most famous stars of the big screen in the 60s was Sir Sean Connery who made his name starring in the James Bond films as secret agent 007. After Dr No in 1962 he starred in four more Bond films during the 60s. He continues to have a very successful career in films today.
Another famous actor from Scotland who was successful in the 60s was Alistair Sim, who made more than 60 films in his career and is remembered for his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Scrooge as well as the many great comedies he made like The Belles of St Trinians. Alistair Sim died in 1976.
Nicol Williamson was a great success in both the UK and America. He starred in many films and throughout his career has played the parts of Merlin the Magician, Sherlock Holmes and Macbeth! He is also an award-winning theatre actor who continues to work mainly on stage today.
