A free exhibition charting the history of cinemas in Falmouth will take place at The Poly from November 11 to 17.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view copies of |original photographs, documents, |programmes and press clippings from the extensive local history archive which is cared for by The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Local History and Research Group.

The exhibition will feature the seven cinemas which have |operated in the town over the years, as well as the multiplex which had been planned for Discovery Quay in 1999.

The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society is well placed to host this exhibition, as it was the first organisation to bring moving pictures to the town in 1910 and continues screen films.

The exhibition is also timely as the Poly is currently fundraising to upgrade the cinema to digital to ensure that it can continue to provide a range of films in the future.

In keeping with the theme of cinema in days gone by, on Wednesday, November 12 at 7.30pm there will be a screening of the film A Night at the Cinema in 1914, accompanied by a new improvised score by composer and pianist Stephen Horne.

Among the highlights of this programme of 14 short films are a quirky comic short about a face-pulling |competition, a sensational episode of the American film serial The Perils of Pauline, an early aviation display, scenes of suffragettes protesting at Buckingham Palace and Allied troops celebrating Christmas at the Front.

For further information about the fundraising campaign and to book your seat for A Night at the Cinema in 1914 call 01326 319461, or see www.thepoly.org