By the time the Spanish flu was contained, in 1920, it had transformed the movie industry. One hundred years later, the town finds itself at a similar juncture.

Movieland’s Most Threatening Cliff-Hanger

A pandemic has shut down the dream factory. Will it survive? As the weeks grind on, some fear it may not

By Ben Hoyle

A caption appears against a black background: “One year ago this weekend.”

In a montage we see scenes of people pouring through cinema foyers in China, Australia, India, Britain, France, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. They are stampeding towards sold-out showings of Avengers: Endgame, the most eagerly awaited superhero film in history. The crowds crave the emotional punch of a shared viewing experience in front of a big screen. Movie palaces around the world are rammed.