First published in 1950, ABC Film Review (later known simply as Film Review) was a cornerstone of British cinema culture for over half a century.
Originally created as a promotional magazine for the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) circuit, it quickly transcended its marketing roots to become the UK’s longest-running film publication. For generations of moviegoers, the magazine was an essential companion to the silver screen, famous for its glossy star portraits, behind-the-scenes features, and its comprehensive “descriptive reviews” that helped shape public taste.
By capturing the transition from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the blockbuster era, ABC Film Review served as a vivid historical archive of changing cinematic trends and celebrity fandom. Even as digital media eventually took over, the magazine’s legacy remains a nostalgic symbol of a time when the magic of the movies was first captured on the printed page, making it a prized collectible for cinephiles and historians today.
Below is a collection of ABC Film Review magazine covers from the 1950s.
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| ABC Film Review magazine first cover, 1950 |
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| ABC Film Review magazine cover, 1950 |
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| ABC Film Review magazine cover, March 1951 |
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| ABC Film Review magazine cover, April 1952 |
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| ABC Film Review magazine cover, August 1952 |