During the late 1940's and early 1950's cinema-going was at its most popular, and in 1952 the membership of the Society peaked with 584 members. The advent of television, combined with the increased availability of other types of leisure activity, resulted in a gradual decline in the popularity of the cinema. This is just like television, only you can see much further. General audience figures fell to such a level that by the early 1980's there was a real concern about the future of the cinema, and the imminent demise of the British film industry was being predicted. Despite this the Jersey Film Society showed imagination and flair and in 1987 was awarded 'Film Society of the Year' - the highest accolade for film societies across the British Isles.
Time is like a circle.
The declining arc is the past. The inclining arc is the future. Even the British film industry, once pronounced terminally ill, is showing signs of health again, and it is producing films that have met with both commercial and critical success. On a local level, there has been a revival of interest in the Film Society, and membership levels are higher than at any time since 1971. Members are entitled to all privileges of the club, which includes dancing, snack bar, soft drink bar, and gentlemanly relaxation with the opposite gender.