A report in The Bioscope on Thursday 28th January, 1915 reads:
ANOTHER CINEMA FOR GLASGOW.
Up to the present the good people of Tollcross, one of Glasgow’s flourishing eastern suburbs, have had to trek to Shettleston or right into the city to gratify their desire for cinema pictures. Thanks to Mr. George Green a hall is now provided right in their midst, and a hall such as the Tollcross Cinema is a welcome addition to any locality.
At the opening on Thursday evening the new hall was well filled at both houses, and the programme submitted was such as will ensure a continuance of good attendances. Among the pictorial items were the “Topical Budget” (first run), “Earthquake Scenes in Italy,” topical cartoon by a well-known Glasgow artist, “The Million Dollar Mystery,” “Those Happy Days” (Keystone comedy), “At Mexico’s Mercy,” and “A Strong Argument.”
Splendid orchestral accompaniments are provided, under the direction of Signor Trocchi. The new hall, which makes the eleventh on the George Green Circuit, is situated in Wellshot Road, close to the tramway route and facing the Public Park.
*Architecturally the hall is admirably suited for its purpose, and is without doubt one of the best on the…
A report in The Bioscope on Thursday 28th January, 1915 reads:
ANOTHER CINEMA FOR GLASGOW.
Up to the present the good people of Tollcross, one of Glasgow’s flourishing eastern suburbs, have had to trek to Shettleston or right into the city to gratify their desire for cinema pictures. Thanks to Mr. George Green a hall is now provided right in their midst, and a hall such as the Tollcross Cinema is a welcome addition to any locality.
At the opening on Thursday evening the new hall was well filled at both houses, and the programme submitted was such as will ensure a continuance of good attendances. Among the pictorial items were the “Topical Budget” (first run), “Earthquake Scenes in Italy,” topical cartoon by a well-known Glasgow artist, “The Million Dollar Mystery,” “Those Happy Days” (Keystone comedy), “At Mexico’s Mercy,” and “A Strong Argument.”
Splendid orchestral accompaniments are provided, under the direction of Signor Trocchi. The new hall, which makes the eleventh on the George Green Circuit, is situated in Wellshot Road, close to the tramway route and facing the Public Park.
Architecturally the hall is admirably suited for its purpose, and is without doubt one of the best on the circuit. Seating accommodation is provided for just under 1,000 persons, and in the balcony and stalls ideal plush-covered tip-ups are provided, while in the pit and area the bentwood tip-ups are of a most comfortable description.
The heating and lighting arrangements are consistent with the firm’s experience in hall furnishing, and leave nothing to be desired. The electric lighting and current for the projectors is supplied by a powerful plant, supplied by the British Westinghouse Company, while the projection of perfect pictures is entrusted to Pathé machines of latest model, and on the opening night the quality of the pictures was equal to the best. The arrangements for the opening were supervised by Mr. Sam Stott, Mr. Green’s general manager, this being the eighth hall at which Mr. Stott has acted in this capacity. The resident manager is Mr. John Stevenson, formerly of Weston-super-Mare, a gentleman whose experience fully qualifies him for the position.
On the occasion of the opening every patron was presented with a copy of “Tollcross Cinema Clipper,” a four-page quarto sheet which, in addition to a full programme, contains chatty notes, agony column, and many interesting and amusing items, including a synopsis of the star film. “The Clipper” will be continued weekly, and the Tollcross residents look like having a new local newspaper in addition to a new cinema. We wish both the best of luck and long runs."
Designed by John Fairweather for the Green's chain. The exterior featured outlines of red sandstone, surrounding areas of roughcast. A glass canopy ran the entire length of the frontage. The central window feature displayed adverts for forthcoming programmes. The interior was said to seat 1,103 (867 in the stalls, with 240 in the balcony, rather at odds with the claim of just under 1,000 in the Bioscope Article above); the screen was 21 ft by 14 ft. After renovation in 1926, it was renamed the Cinema, the name it retained until closure in 1958. After a period on bingo, the building sat empty until it was demolished around 1973.
Sources:
A History of Green's Cinema, Tollcross, Glasgow , Wallace H Branch, privately published, 1999.
Dictionary of Scottish Architects
The Bioscope # 433, Vol. XXVI, 28th January 1915, pp.331-333
Archive catalogue notes: o.c. 1914 by George Green Ltd. Purpose-built. Arch J Fairweather. S. 1,116. Renovated, renamed Cinema,1926. Arch. Fairweather. s. 1,103. Closed 2.58. Later a bingo hall, demolished around 1973. Address also given as 367 Wellshot Road.