New St Odeon Cinema

The Odeon cinema chain, whose distinctive art deco sign is a familiar sight on most high streets, was created by Oscar Deutsch, who was born into a Jewish family from Balsall Heath in 1893.

His cinema chain, which was famous for its innovative architecture and lavish interiors, brought a touch of luxury to all. It grew rapidly: there were 26 Odeons in 1933 and 250 in 1937. The word Odeon was said to stand for 'Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation' and its sign was designed by the Birmingham firm Pearce Signs.

Oscar Deutsch was the President of Singers Hill synagogue from 1932 until his death from cancer in 1941. During his term as President, the synagogue was extended, the Hebrew School was moved to a new site and new offices and a community hall were built, using the same architect who designed some of his most famous cinema buildings, Harry Weedon. He set up the Jewish Representative Council, which brought Birmingham synagogues together to assist Jewish refugees. There is a stained glass window in his memory in Singers Hill synagogue.