I remember finding this theatre to be ‘glorious’ when I moved to Langley in 1956. Most of the cinemas in the East End of London were in a poor state and this place, seemed like a palace! I was greatly taken with the organ and enjoyed sitting in the circle (with and without a girlfriend). Some many great films there. Tragic that such wonderful buildings have been lost.
I used to go to school close by, but only visited this cinema once and that was to see DRACULA! I was 14 at the time and like most kids pretended to be 16! Evidently, the management did not care. I remember that it was quite a nice cinema especially since I was raised on the poor-conditioned cinemas of the East End of London (except for the glorious Odeon on Hackney Road!).
I used to visit the Moulin Rouge often when I was in Oxford in the early and mid-1960s. A wonderful cinema with an eclectic programme each week. It was here that I first the films of Bergmann, Fellini, Visconti et al. This, of course, was long before Can-Can legs were placed on the roof. A truly wonderful cinema.
I used visit the cinema often when I was in Oxford - most of this time the Odeon (then the ABC) on George was closed after a fire. I can not say that I ever liked the cinema, but it is unfortunate that time has marched on and it is to close. I hope that the place can be put some good use and not be turned into luxury flats.
This used to be a wonderful cinema. The last time I went there was in October 1956 when it was still a decent place. I was sorry to hear how it deteriorated.
Effo: Do you know the name of the Catholic Church that was demolished to make way for the Granada? Please let me know as I am writing a piece about the theatre for my Granada Theatre Circuit series of pieces at stories-of-london.org Thanks. Charles
I visited the old cinema in 2011 and was given the run of the place – the manager was very nice and bought me some chips! The staff and most of the patrons were friendly. I was very impressed with the place. I have written about my visit and this may be found at the PLAYING BINGO website:
I was given a tour of the building in 2009 and the receptionist gave me a copy of the booklet that appeared soon after the cinema opened. I shall be writing about my trip and will include many of the photographs on the PLAYING BINGO website at:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/
Watch the space – in the meantime, you can read about the Granada Tooting at the site:
I was lucky enough to see a number of productions at the Stoll as a child, including Oklahoma!, the Festival Ballet, Antonio and his Troupe amongst others. The auditorium was spectacular. In reply to Paul Lewis, London may not have possessed any cinemas to compare to the New York Roxy or Capitol, but the Granada (Gala) Tooting and State Kilburn would give them ‘a run for their money’ in their hey days – in fact, they are none-too-shabby now.
I remember going here when I lived in Langley in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The last film I saw there was ‘The Ten Commandments’. The picture looks better than it was when I knew it.
I remember going to this movie house many times while I was at UB. It was a great place and showed many European films at that time. It had an interesting decor, but could have done with a little smartening up – I don’t think people realize what a treasure this place is. Always enjoyed going there. I am glad to see that it is still open for business. Well done owners and staff!!!
I also discovered the building on the way to the museum.
What a joy that was!!!
It is tragic that the building is not used.
I don’t think the circle was used by J.D. Wetherspoon
I remember finding this theatre to be ‘glorious’ when I moved to Langley in 1956. Most of the cinemas in the East End of London were in a poor state and this place, seemed like a palace! I was greatly taken with the organ and enjoyed sitting in the circle (with and without a girlfriend). Some many great films there. Tragic that such wonderful buildings have been lost.
I used to go to school close by, but only visited this cinema once and that was to see DRACULA! I was 14 at the time and like most kids pretended to be 16! Evidently, the management did not care. I remember that it was quite a nice cinema especially since I was raised on the poor-conditioned cinemas of the East End of London (except for the glorious Odeon on Hackney Road!).
When I knew this cinema, it was a dismal. It was a cinema to avoid. The only good film that I saw there was ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’.
I used to visit the Moulin Rouge often when I was in Oxford in the early and mid-1960s. A wonderful cinema with an eclectic programme each week. It was here that I first the films of Bergmann, Fellini, Visconti et al. This, of course, was long before Can-Can legs were placed on the roof. A truly wonderful cinema.
I used visit the cinema often when I was in Oxford - most of this time the Odeon (then the ABC) on George was closed after a fire. I can not say that I ever liked the cinema, but it is unfortunate that time has marched on and it is to close. I hope that the place can be put some good use and not be turned into luxury flats.
Laraine:
I would love to have the programme that your wrote about. I would scan it and put copies on my website.
Regards.
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There is NOTHING wrong with the area where the Grand Rex is! It is part of the Grands Boulevards where people go to spend evenings.
I remember this cinema – it was ………. how you say in Anglais? A flea pit?!
I remember this cinema well and I also remember it being demolished. Tragic loss.
This used to be a wonderful cinema. The last time I went there was in October 1956 when it was still a decent place. I was sorry to hear how it deteriorated.
Those of us that used to go here in the 1950s would not describe the interior as plain. We found it to be a very classy joint!
Effo: Do you know the name of the Catholic Church that was demolished to make way for the Granada? Please let me know as I am writing a piece about the theatre for my Granada Theatre Circuit series of pieces at stories-of-london.org Thanks. Charles
I visited the old cinema in 2011 and was given the run of the place – the manager was very nice and bought me some chips! The staff and most of the patrons were friendly. I was very impressed with the place. I have written about my visit and this may be found at the PLAYING BINGO website:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/land-bingo/history/9-history-charles-s-p-jenkins-tooting-gala-1.php
and a series of photographs may be seen at:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/land-bingo/club-finder/l/london-gala-bingo-mitcham-road-tooting-gallery.php
I am working on my account of my several visits to the Granada/Gala Woolwich where I was also given free-range to the place.
Enjoy.
Charles S.P. Jenkins
I was given a tour of the building in 2009 and the receptionist gave me a copy of the booklet that appeared soon after the cinema opened. I shall be writing about my trip and will include many of the photographs on the PLAYING BINGO website at:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/
Watch the space – in the meantime, you can read about the Granada Tooting at the site:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/land-bingo/history/9-history-charles-s-p-jenkins-tooting-gala-1.php
Enjoy.
Execelsior
I was lucky enough to see a number of productions at the Stoll as a child, including Oklahoma!, the Festival Ballet, Antonio and his Troupe amongst others. The auditorium was spectacular. In reply to Paul Lewis, London may not have possessed any cinemas to compare to the New York Roxy or Capitol, but the Granada (Gala) Tooting and State Kilburn would give them ‘a run for their money’ in their hey days – in fact, they are none-too-shabby now.
Check out at:
http://playingbingo.co.uk/land-bingo/club-finder/l/london-gala-bingo-mitcham-road-tooting-gallery.php
I remember going here when I lived in Langley in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The last film I saw there was ‘The Ten Commandments’. The picture looks better than it was when I knew it.
I remember going to this movie house many times while I was at UB. It was a great place and showed many European films at that time. It had an interesting decor, but could have done with a little smartening up – I don’t think people realize what a treasure this place is. Always enjoyed going there. I am glad to see that it is still open for business. Well done owners and staff!!!