Exploring the History of Cinema in Exeter

Simon Wells
Authored by Simon Wells
Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 2:41pm

There’s no doubt that the arrival of the cinema marked a turning point in world history. As for Exeter, it’s played a part in this story right from the very start, so what links to the city can we find when we look back over the years?

The French Lieutenant's Woman Official Trailer #1 - Meryl Streep Movie (1981) HD

The First Cinemas

To fully cover the history of cinema, we need to go back to 1895, when the Lumière Brothers showed the world’s first film to an audience in Paris. By the start of the next year, their Cinématographe motion picture system had reached London, and it was only a matter of months before Exeter residents could see a short film without leaving the city.

The golden age of cinema saw brand new cinemas built here, with many of the first screenings giving locals a chance to see how the Boer War was unfolding. The first purpose-built cinemas started appearing, and the early exhibition practices in Exeter, including screenings of the Boer War and the impact of World War I, have been documented. 

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum showcases the way that cinema has progressed, with the Picturehouse, Odeon and the Vue among the city’s leading cinemas. Many of these cinemas were converted into bingo halls in the mid-20th century, as tastes began to change. Interestingly, these bingo halls have also largely been closed, with players now being able to choose online bingo casino games. These 24/7 online bingo halls combine classic ways of playing with themed bingo like Age of the Gods and Rainbow Riches. Newer games, including slots and scratchcards, add to the variety.

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY | Official Trailer

 

Famous Films Shot Here

Exeter has been the setting for several memorable movies. 1981’s The French Lieutenant's Woman starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons is mainly set in Lyme Regis, with filming taking place in and around Exeter. With five Oscar nominations, it’s still arguably the best and most famous movie filmed in Exeter.

Miss Marple: Sleeping Murder is an Agatha Christie mystery that was first published in 1976. This was the Torquay-born author’s last published book, and the action takes place in Dillmouth, which is a fictional town on the south coast of England where Miss Marple has another crime mystery to resolve. It was made into a TV movie in 1987, with Joan Hickson taking the lead role, and includes a selection of scenes filmed in Exeter.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a more recent movie we can watch to catch a glimpse of the city and other parts of Devon. This 2023 release stars Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton, who was also in Exeter as part of the cast of The French Lieutenant's Woman four decades earlier. It begins with Harold living in Kingsbridge and then follows him as he decides to walk to the Scottish Borders to inspire a sick friend. 

Exeter hasn’t been featured in movies as extensively as some other locations, but its links to the world of cinema make for a fascinating talking point when watching any of the films mentioned here or when you pass one of the former cinemas around town.

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