Classic Glasgow

Cranston’s Cinema De Luxe was opened by Cranston’s Pictures Ltd. on 22nd May 1915. It was located on the third floor of a six storey building and seated 850 in stalls and circle levels. The building, which also contained a tea-room and a billiard hall, was designed by architect James Miller and it had a Beaux Arts style façade, clad in white Carrara-ware faience.

It was sold to independent operator Henry Winocour in February 1934 and he operated it until it was purchased by George Green’s circuit in 1954. On 26th July 1954 a News Theatre was created in some spare space and this was operated by Capitol and Provincial News Theatres.

Both cinemas were taken over by the London based Classic Cinemas Ltd. chain from 23rd September 1960. In April 1969, they opened a Tatler Cinema Club in what had previously been a billiard room in the building. The Tatler Cinema Club screened uncensored adult films, the opening double bill programme was "I Am A Woman" and "Lust in the Swamps". The three-screens became known as the Classic Film Centre from May 1972, and had seating for 644, 220 and 136.

It was destroyed by fire on 22nd May 1981 and the ruins of the auditorium block were demolished in 1986. The façade was not too badly damaged and it was restored and is now the façade of an office block, with retail units at street level, which was built behind it, known as Classic House.

On the 15th January 1985, the façade was designated a Grade B Listed building by Historic Scotland.

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