Disagreement between the young and others about the proper time for bedtime (and getting up) is a perennial Oxford problem.

A few years ago, the Penultimate Picture Palace was faced with the prospect of stopping its late night films, because of the disturbance caused to the local residents. The films were an essential part of the PPP's operation, and this would have meant eventual closure. The issue was neatly sidestepped by turning it into a cinema club – which anyone could join – which was then not subject to the same regulations as an ordinary cinema. At the same time, efforts were made to ensure that the clientele leave quietly.

In 2004, the PPP did close down, along with Not the Moulin Rouge in Headington (where this editor was accustomed to sinking into enormous decaying armchair seating and watching films with an audience of three). Someone with as cunning business plan and a ready wit saw an opening for reviving an East Oxford arthouse cinema, and the Penultimate Picture Palace was susequently proudly reopened as ... the Ultimate Picture Palace. And this editor was the very first to walk through their doorway as a paying customer.

In 2010 the cinema is under new ownership, with piglet pink seats with good legroom and a bar selling fizz by the glass. You can still hear the film in the loo, and if you're tardy at the bar, the projectionist will probably wait for you to take your seats before starting the show. We love it.

Read more about this in the colourful memoirs of the former owner of both cinemas, local radio presenter Bill Heine - aka Heinstein of The Airwaves.