Electric Picture House

In Blairgowrie, Perthshire, on 12th June 1913 a note appeared in ‘Bioscope’ magazine announcing a proposed new Picture Hall in Reform Street.

The Electric Picture House, or Quinns, as it was known locally (named after the owners, Henry Quinn and family), opened on 11th September 1913. The cinema comprised two old cottages that had been knocked into one building.

Although the films were silent, each reel was given a measure of ingenious sound effects by Danny Quinn, who used such items as coconut shells, corrugated tin and even stones (for rain) to good effect. Atmospheric musical accompaniment was provided on piano by Rita Morrison and, later, Peter Moran.

In May 1925 Quinn’s closed their little cinema to make way, on the same site, for the bigger and better Picture House (see separate Cinema Treasures entry).

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