THE Malvern Theatres cinema was packed recently with groups, couples and people on their own. Most of them appeared to be pensioners.

The attraction was, of course, Philomena starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, both putting on remarkable performances.

It was the first good film for older people that the cinema has shown for ages.

There must be a lesson here.

Older people do not want to go out at night to see a film starting at 7.45 but they will very happily go in the morning if the cinema management takes the trouble to find suitable films. Unfortunately, the management cannot or will not take the trouble.

The next film coming to the cinema is the Hobbit which is being shown 28 times up to January 2. This will be followed by Captain Phillips, a rip-roaring tale of an oil tanker being boarded by Somali pirates.

Having seen the trailers I shall not be going to either.

Nor, I imagine will many elderly people.

I appreciate that the management have to cater for younger audiences over the holiday period but haven’t they realised yet that in Malvern, people over 65 greatly outnumber those between five and 25.

In any case is it making proper use of the cinema to put on only two films over the whole Christmas period?

I would happily go to see a few oldies on a Tuesday morning. This is my selection – Dr Zhivago, High Noon, High Society, Roman Holiday, From Here to Eternity, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Lawrence of Arabia, On Golden Pond, My Fair Lady and African Queen.

Perhaps others would like to write in with their suggestions.

ALISTAIR MACMILLAN Malvern