Earliest Autograph Of Arnold Schwarzenegger Goes On Sale To Support UK’s Smallest Cinema

Based in the heart of Wales, The Sol Cinema is an award winning independent mobile movie theatre, and they have put up for sale the earliest known autograph of film star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The funds raised will support the touring costs of the unique cinema, with the auction ending on Tuesday 7th July.

Paul O’Connor, the projectionist and co-founder of the Sol Cinema said;

Sol Cinema has supported hundreds of independents video makers for 16 years but it has become increasingly difficult to find the funds to carry on touring. Despite our popularity amongst the public, the budgets of events have dropped so we are left trying to discover news ways of raising funds. Selling autographs and film memorabilia is one option which we hope people will get behind.’

Sol Cinema have recently performed for comedy legends Monty Python, gaining praise from Michael Palin and filmmaker Terry Gilliam. Three of the Pythons signed one of own their earliest books to support the Sol Cinema touring fund.

Back in 1967 Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a photo of himself aged just 20, which was featured in a bodybuilding magazine. The signature was at a unique time for Arnold as he had just won his first Mr Universe title. It is the earliest surviving example of the movie star’s signature. Collectors will be intrigued to see that the star of Terminator and Conan the Barbarian signed his surname first, followed by Arnold.

Co-founder of Sol Cinema Paul O’Connor from Swansea said;

‘It is very fitting that a movie star such as Schwarzenegger can help, even indirectly to keep our independent cinema going. The support from Monty Python is also welcomed as they influenced the construction of the Sol Cinema, with our flying cherubs, doric pillars, plush seating, surround sound and performing usherettes. So we hope the public will get behind this funding drive and bid on these autographs and help keep us touring more events during 2026’

Other celebrities who have visited the Sol Cinema include the Welsh Rugby squad, Suggs and his band Madness, DJ Don Letts amongst others. Over 16 years the diminutive cinema has entertained more than 100,000 people at music and film festivals and community events.

Popcorn dealer and architect of the Sol Cinema Jo Furlong stated;

‘Sol Cinema has performed in fields, factories, schools, city centres, on a farm and even in a Zoo. Being mobile, we can squeeze into the smallest spots and entertain with short movies. Our smartly dressed ushers are highly experienced street performers who all add a touch of bizarreness to the entire experience’

The Sol Cinema was created by upcycling a 1972 caravan which was being used to house chickens on a small holding. Tiered seating, LED lighting and a projector combined with surround sound were added to create the unique mobile venue. To boost its environmental credentials further, the cinema is powered entirely by solar energy.

Sol Cinema is currently taking bookings and will be performing in Blackburn on the 4th and 5th of July , alongside Camp Bestival in Dorset this August.