Stories Of London

The Granada Theatre Slough is the only purpose-built Granada Theatre of the Circuit that I actually visited and watched a film in while it was still owned by Granada.  Sadly, at the time I was not aware of the Circuit and certainly did not appreciate the full splendour of its decor.  Unfortunately, I was too miserable at having left London, which only slowly receded.  In addition, my type of film, the shimmering 20th Century Fox CinemaScope Productions, that I once saw and enjoyed at the Essoldo Bethnal Green and at the Empress Mare Street seemed no longer to be made.  However, on retrospect, I later realised that a number of non-shimmering films that I saw here, were in fact excellent productions and worthy of seeing many times over, which I have since done.

20th Century Fox Fanfare 

The Granada Theatre Slough was just a few steps south of the Crown Corner along Windsor Road.  The Theatre had a wide pavement in front of it where a number of bus stops were found.  Buses for areas to far-off places, such as Watford, Berkhampsted, Uxbridge and London, as well as for closer destinations stopped here to exchange riders.

The Granada Theatre Slough around 1966
Only a Miss Candy shop remained of the Parade of Shops
The cafe has become a Licensed Restaurant
and the entrance at the right side of the building was still open
I remember that there was once an Adult Shop at one time in the adjacent alleyway on the right!

The American architect, C. Howard Crane, had drawn up plans for the Granada Theatre Slough, but these were revised by Cecil Audrey Masey.  The interior design was based on the interior decoration already used in previous Circuit Theatres by Theodore Komisarjevsky.

Once I discovered the existence of The Granada Theatre Circuit and became aware of the work of Theodore Komisarjevsky, I was immediately impressed.  And once I learned more of him and his wide body of theatre work, my admiration for what he had achieved in his lifetime grew.  Imagine my horror once I learned that the one theatre that I actually saw a film in belonging to the Circuit was one where Mr. Komisarjevsky had never visited.  I had to laugh!

The Granada Theatre Slough opened on 23rd March, 1938 and opened seven weeks after that of the Granada Theatre Welling.  The opening ceremony was officiated over by Leslie Howard who was making Pygmalion at Pinewood Studios.  Mr. Howard was piped down an aisle and up onto the stage to make a speech by The Dagenham Girl Pipers.

The Dagenham Girl Pipers  
Top: The Double Band  
Bottom Left: during a trip to Paris;
Bottom Right: at their 80th Anniversary Reunion
(awaiting permission to reproduce)

I have been unable to find out anything else about the opening programme other than the films shown, which were Artists & Models with Jack Benny and Ida Lupino and It’s Love I’m After with Leslie Howard, Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland.  Since the theatre had been installed with a Wurlitzer Organ, presumably a short receital was given, but I am unable to confirm this.  I do know, however, that the organ was introduced to the public by Dudley Beavan, but do not know if this took place on the evening of the opening.

Top Row, Left to Right: Film Poster, Jack Benny & Ida Lupino Bottom Row,
Left to Right: Film Poster; Leslie Howard, Bette Davis & Olivia de Havilland

Howard C. Crane was the architect for the Granada Theatre Greenwich where he had designed an interesting exterior.  In contrast, the exterior of the Granada Theatre Slough was very plain and consisted of brick with three horizontal rows each of five windows above the canopy.  The Granada sign was above the windows, but had no fin at the side.  The canopy extended across the entrance and covered the display cases, which advertised posters and stills of the current programme.  Beyond these display cases was a parade of small shops at the time of opening.

The Facade & Entrance of the Granada Theatre Slough in 1949
Several of the shops of the parade may be seen in the bottom left-hand area of the photograph

The parade of shops closed later, but during the late 1950s, the first shop became a Miss Candy shop for a short time and allowed entrance to it from both the outside and from the foyer.  I remember being surprised when I first saw this shop since I had mistakenly assumed that Miss Candy was unique to the Century Theatre in the High Street.

The theatre was also offered patrons a cafe for their pleasure, which could be accessed either via the foyer staircase or from the outside.  In addition, a car park was also provided for patrons.

A rear & side view of the Theatre showing the advertising for its Cafe Restaurant and its Car Park

Unlike many other Granada Theatres before, the Granada Slough had no series of steps before the entrance.   One made one’s way into the theatre by four sets of double doors, which I seem to remember opened directly into the huge foyer.  At the time when I knew the theatre, there was a small box office immediately to the left upon entering, which was adjacent to the foyer entrance to Miss Candy.

The Facade & Entrance of the Granada Theatre Slough in 1977
The parade of shops is by now closed including that of Miss Candy

The foyer had a long staircase against the far wall that led up to the cafe and the circle.  One was able to see the cafe from the foyer, which was on a platform that stretched across the entrance area to the foyer.  I do not remember there being any mirrors lining the wall of the staircase, however there were several large mirrors high up on the right-handed wall at the first floor level in line with the cafe.

The Foyer of the Granada Theatre Slough
Left, showing the entrance, the cafe and the mirror high up on the right wall;
a chair and other small pieces of furniture sit against the wall
and appear to be made in the style designed by Theodore Komisarjevsky
Right, showing the staircase against the far wall,
advertisement cases on the left wall and a concession stand on the right

There were a number of huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which I later learned were more in keeping with those of the Granada Theatres at Walthamstow and Tooting rather that those of the Standard Granadas.  I am sorry to say that I have no memory of other ceiling decoration except that it was coffered, which is a term I learned only with the writing of this series!  As was the practice of Granada Theatres, there was no carpeting of the Foyer floor.  I remember when I used to go to the theatre that the foyer and part of the circle walkway were decorated with a number of potted palms strategically placed to give a look of elegance to the theatre.

The Palm Court of the Plaza Hotel, New York City before the Second World War
Potted palms were once commonly seen in hotel lobbies and in theatre foyers

The auditorium of the Granada Theatre was constructed parallel to Windsor Road and was a large theatre although not the largest in Slough.  This honour went to the Adelphi Theatre.  The Granada Slough was able to seat 1,070 in the stalls and another 630 in the circle.  Entrance to the auditorium from the foyer was through several large wooden doors on the left.

The auditorium was very much of the Standard Granada variety, but was still decorative and ornate, To my untrained eye, I found it to be the most beautiful theatre I had ever seen outside the West End, and of course, the glorious Hackney Empire.  Despite its exotic appearance, the Century in the High Street always remained my favourite Slough cinema.

On either side of the Proscenium Arch was a splay consisting of three large decorative grilles that hid exhaust fans.  In front of each grille was a pseudo-balcony.  Above the grilles and continuing across the stage above the Proscenium Arch was a decorative frieze.  At each side of the splays were two Corinthian pilasters with a smaller one separating each grille.

The Auditorium of the Granada Theatre Slough from the Circle

The ceiling  over the stalls was decorated with decorative Rondel, which was similar to those present at the Granadas Greenford and Kingston (both Standard Granadas).  At its centre was a large chandelier, which was again similar to those at other Standard Granadas.  Over the circle seating, the ceiling was coffered with three smaller chandeliers hanging from it.

View of the Stage from the Circle at the Granada Theatre Slough
Although the quality of this photograph is poor, I add it
to illustrate the detail of the central chandelier.
This photograph is from Slough Museum

View of the Stage & Auditorium of the Granada Theatre Kingston  
This is exactly how Standard Granadas looked including that of Slough

The underside of the balcony that stretched over the rear stalls was highly decorative while the front area was remarkably plain and had simple lamps in recess there.  The balcony parapet was also plain, as were the walls of both the back stalls and circle.

View of the Auditorium

I cannot recall if the circle seating was in undulating rows, which was typical of Cecil Audrey Masey’s work.  Entrance to the balcony was by double doors at the rear and I remember finding it difficult to make my way down the steps of an aisle once the house lights were dimmed on the rare times I actually sat in the circle.

—ooOoo—

The first film I saw, or rather re-saw, at the Granada Theatre Slough was The King and I.  This was also the last film I saw at the Essoldo Bethnal Green before leaving London.  The film had been a huge success when first released and was quickly re-released and sent out on the circuit again.  To re-release a film was a rare event in those days, but to re-release it so soon after a film’s initial release, was I believe almost unheard of at that time.

My mother had loved this film and so we went to see it again.  I have to admit that seeing it in a grand setting such as the Granada Theatre Slough certainly added to our sense of occasion and also added to the enjoyment of the film.

Suddenly, I became aware of what it meant to not only see a film on a really wide screen that was maintained on a stage behind curtains, but to actually hear a film in full stereophonic sound!  I remember that it was not the musical numbers that brought home to me the value of stereophonic sound, but rather the background sounds that were normally lost at the poor old Essoldo Bethnal Green.  When Mrs. Anna and her son arrived in the harbour of Bangkok, it was the sounds of work going on about them that I found interesting, as I was actually able to experience them coming from different parts of the auditorium.  This was brought fully to my attention with the sounds of the approaching Lord High Chancellor could be heard in the distance.

In addition, the seats of the Granada were plush and comfortable.  Those of the Essoldo, as much as I loved the cinema, were old and shiny and many were in a poor state of repair.

—ooOoo—

I lived in Langley between 1956 and 1968 and during those years, I went to the Granada Theatre on numerous occasions.    The theatre screened most of the 20th Century Fox Productions made in CinemaScope  during this time and proved to be perhaps the best venue I had visited so far for viewing such films.

Everything about the  theatre made for a great cinema experience: elegant decor with comfortable seats, a giant screen  and real stereophonic sound.  All one needed was a really good film to make the experience complete!

Sadly, 20th Century Fox was not able to maintain the high standard set for its CinemaScope films of the mid-1950s and their quality began to decline and cause not only my interest, but those of the general public to wane.  Naturally this resulted in a decrease in ticket sales whenever these films were screened.

Once cinema ticket sales began to fall, 20th Century Fox decided to re-release some of their earlier successes as double bills. I remember seeing the re-release of two scenically spectacular films there.  The double bill consisted of Love is a Many Splendoured Thing and The Egyptian.

The Original Posters of the Films

I had seen Love is a Many Splendoured Thing at the Essoldo Bethnal Green before leaving London.  Although the film was a love story, its settings were remarkable scenic views of Hong Kong that I liked very much.   The film had a theme song that had gained great popularity and was recorded by a number of artists.

Sadly, The Egyptian was never shown at the Essoldo Bethnal Green.  We had to forgo a number of the 20th Century Fox Productions at this time due to the cinema being needed to show some ABC releases of MGM and Warner Brothers.  However, this situation was never cut and dry as the cinema did not screen all of the ABC releases and I found that we were missing out on many films that I would have liked to see made by all companies.  The most obvious example being MGM’s Valley of the Kings.  Another tale of Egypt, tombs and the desert.

I found the failure of The Egyptian to be shown at the Essoldo Bethnal Green to be very, very annoying and considered it to be further prove that we, the Citizens of Bethnal Green were a deprived  and ignored group!

The Egyptian was a huge spectacle set in ancient Egypt and with a host of stars.  In fact it was just the kind of film that I would have enjoyed as a child.   Imagine ……. The Nile, the Pyramids, the battles and the intrigue and spectacle of the Court!  What more could one ask for?

Originally, Marlon Brando was signed to appear in the title role, but he disliked the script and refused to be associated with the production.  Several other actors were considered for the role, but all refused.  Eventually Edmund Purdom was borrowed from Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer to play the role.  Since he did not have the star-stature of Mr. Brando, he was not given prime place amongst the list of stars in the film.  Although Mr. Purdom did his best, he was no match for Mr. Brando.

Those offered the role of The Egyptian
Left: Marlon Brando who wanted nothing to do with it
Middle: Edmund Purdom (Top, as the title character) who was borrowed to play the role
Right: Dirk Bogarde (Top) & Farley Granger (Bottom) who turned it down

The film also starred the protégée-cum-mistress of the producer, Darryl F. Zanuck, Ms Bella Darvi as Nefer, a part that Marilyn Monroe wanted.  Although Ms Darvi was an interesting woman of sorts, she sorely lacked acting talents.  Personally, I would have loved to have seen Marilyn Monroe in the role.  Had she played the part, I could have understood why The Egyptian gave up everything for her!

Finding Nefer
Top Left: Darryl F. Zanuck; Top Right: Bella Darvi
Bottom Left: publicity still for the film, Niagara
Bottom Right: at her most beautiful, just before her death

The Egyptian ought to have been a great success since it seemingly had everything in its favour.  It had a good cast, a well-respected director, Michael Curtiz, a haunting musical score by Bernard Herrmann and Alfred Newman and spectacular sweeping scenes and a story based on a best selling book by Mika Waltari.  Sadly, the result was not as good as it could have and should have been.

Top Left: Michael Curtiz; Top Middle: Alfred Newman; Top Left: Bernard Herrmann
Bottom: Milka Waltari

By the time I eventually saw The Egyptian at the Granada Theatre Slough, it was 1961 and I was less interested in spectacle than I had been a few years earlier.  Although the settings were impressive and the print shimmering, I was more than a little disappointed by it.  Despite my reaction, I was very pleased to have finally seen the film ……… at last!

Gene Tirney (Left) & Jean Simmons (Right) also appeared in the Film …….

Although I can blame the script and the less-than-sterling acting for my response to The Egyptian, I have come to believe that the experience was partly spoiled by the fact that I had to share the theatre will a huge audience when I saw it.  I went on a Saturday evening and every seat was filled.  Despite the lack of comforts of the Essoldo Bethnal Green, one of the great joys of seeing a spectacle there was being able to sit close to the screen in a virtually empty cinema and immerse oneself in the action on the screen.  There was great joy in spreading myself out in the middle of a row without the annoyance of other people around me.  In this way, I was able to completely surround myself in the wonders presented to me.  Of course, skipping school to go to the pictures obviously added to the pleasure!

……. as did Victor Mature (Left), Peter Ustinov (Middle) & Michael Wilding (Right)

When I went to see The Egyptian at the Granada Theatre, I was seated on the right hand side of the back stalls.  I was certainly unable to snuggle down in my seat and allow myself to be transported back to Ancient Egypt and be enthralled by the spectacle.  And besides, I remember being surrounded by others who insisted on talking throughout the film and also were noisy in removing their sweet wrappers.  Finally, my companion of the evening thought that I should pay her more attention than what was happening on the screen!  This poor girl was unable to compete with the splendours of CinemaScope, I fear!

Perhaps the auditorium was not exactly like this, but close enough

I have re-seen The Egyptian in the grandeur of my own home a number of times since seeing it at the Granada Theatre Slough and have even read the book! Although the story is interesting, and perhaps the film is not quite as bad as I remembered, I still found it to be disappointing and certainly not one of the greats!   I have to admit that although the musical score is hypnotic and the settings beautiful, it is obvious why Marlon Brando refused to have any part of it!

The Egyptian, The VHS Box

As a point of interest, although The Egyptian was released on videocassette, it has not, as yet, been released on DVD.  This situation defies explanation!

—ooOoo—

The Granada Theatre Slough was also where the Roadshow Films were screened once they went on general release.  I saw Around the World in Eighty Days here, again on a Saturday evening and in the presence of a huge audience!  I remember that the auditorium was overly hot and that the audience fidgeted constantly.  Perhaps this also explains why I have never been especially enamoured of this film despite its remarkable settings.  I remember at the time of the film’s release society was inundated with an endless number of vocal and instrumental versions of the theme song.  In addition, my father used to enjoy playing it on the piano.

Posters of the film, Around the World in 80 Days

—ooOoo—

I can only remember sitting in the circle at the Granada Theatre Slough on a few occasions.  The first time I went was with a group of friends from school.  This was soon after I moved to the area and was still looking for interesting things to do in Slough.  I remember we had made an arrangement to meet a group of girls.  When we arrived at the entrance, they were waiting outside for us.  My new friends and I had decided in advance who would sit with whom and we quickly made our moves once we got our tickets.   Since we were with women, we had decided to sit in the circle ……. in the back of the circle, which was the place to sit when one was with someone.  The usherette walked up and down the aisle periodically and, as she did, she flashed her torch in our direction.  However, I don’t remember her offensive beam bothering us too much.  Unfortunately, I have no idea what the film playing was.

—ooOoo—

The last time I sat in the circle, I remember spending a very nice time with a girl friend that I was very fond of.  She loved going to the pictures as much as I did and also enjoyed turning this simple pleasure into an occasion ……. as much as I did!  During such simple outings such as going to the pictures, we liked to treat ourselves to little additional things that enhanced our pleasure during our simple night out.

She adored cowboy films and liked especially The Magnificent Seven mainly because she loved Steve McQueen.   She reminded me of this each time he appeared on the screen by pinching my arm with great ferocity.  It was not unusual for me to return home with multiple bruises!  Steve McQueen’s pinches were minor compared to those awarded to me whenever she saw certain other stars.  I wince when I remember her most severe pinches!  These violent assaults were reserved for images of George Harrison!

Steve McQueen (Left) & George Harrison (Right)

Anyway, I recall that The Magnificent Seven was being re-released and was to be shown at the Granada Theatre Slough.  There was never a question that we would not go once we noted its planned screening in the local newspaper.  Our plans were quickly made after some discussion as to which would be the best evening to go.

The Magnificent Seven

I remember that it was a particularly rainy evening when we went, but this did not deter us.  Most certainly, we were going to have a wonderful evening!  I remember that we arrived at the cinema and entered it in a manner that others might have saved for going to a premiere in the West End.  We glided across the foyer and slowly ……. very slowly ……. ascended the grand staircase as if we were stars!  I swear that had we recognised any of our friends waiting in the foyer, we would have given them a graceful wave in the manner of royalty!  We knew no shame in those days and eagerly embraced the occasion!

The Royal Wave

We had arrived at the theatre early, as we wanted to have something to drink at the cafe, which was housed on the upper level.  We had not been to the cafe before and were looking forward to finally going.  We had decided to save such a treat for the time when we were going to see a special film and The Magnificent Seven was indeed a special film.

The Foyer Staircase (Left) & The Cafe at the Circle Level (Right)

The cafe was a delight and offered waitress service.  We treated ourselves to coffee, since we were far too sophisticated by then to ever be seen drinking tea in public and ate some cheese and biscuits.  Again, we were too cool for cake! I remember little of the cafe except that the tables were covered with real linen table clothes and we sat with matching napkins on our lap as we ate and supped and then lingered at our table as we smoked our cigarettes!  It is amazing how such a simple thing as this used to give us such pleasure.  I remember being especially generous with my tip that evening.  After all, this was an occasion!   I recently learned that the cafe closed in 1969 – a sad loss for the town.

Following our mini-feast, we rose slowly from our table, and after collecting our coats and umbrella, we continued our glide and slowly made our way to the circle entrance where we prepared to make our grand entrance into the auditorium.  Luckily for us, the audience was not especially great that evening and fellow cinema-goings did not interfere too much with our plan to find the perfect seat.

After we had shown our tickets to the usherette, we slowly walked down the steps of the aisle to the front row of the circle and eased our way to take up residence in the centre seats.  We next took an age to drape our coats over the seats before sitting down.  Coats had to be perfectly arranged so that we might be totally comfortable before the film began, as we had to be sure that no part of the coat was creased in any way since a fold might cause us some irritation during the film.  We took our luxury and film-going very, very seriously! Comfort was of prime importance!

Those who understand the meaning and the importance of comfort

Once installed in our seats, my young lady opened the box of chocolates that she had so thoughtfully brought and placed it across my knees.  I was charged with maintaining them in place and within easy reach so that we could sample without disturbing our concentration once the film began. I have to confess that I have never enjoyed going to the pictures as much with anyone else, as much as I did when I went with this young lady!  One finds so few true kindred spirits in life, and when found, they need to be nurtured.

The stage of the Granada Theatre Slough was wide and so allowed for the installation of what seemed like a especially enormous screen.  This allowed us to experience the grandeur of the film to its full and the set-up of the speakers about the theatre allowed the sensational theme music by Elmer Bernstein to be heard to its best advantage.

Elmer Bernstein wrote the theme music for many films and television series
including those for Johnny Staccato and Walk on the Wild Side

I have to smile now at the pleasure we got from going to the pictures and going to a Picture Palace. I rarely go to the cinema now.  I regret to say that Multiplexes certainly do not fare well with the cinemas of yesteryear!

Slough’s Multiplex in the Queensmere Mall 

—ooOoo—

The last time I went to the Granada Slough was in the summer of 1965.  I had left college and was waiting to get my final examination results and planning on leaving the following week to go on a jaunt.  The film was suitably an epic, Genghis Khan, and in the style that I once liked.

I remember that I went on a Friday evening to see the film and found to my delight that the auditorium was sparsely populated.  As a result, I was able once more to position myself in a manner guaranteed to give me the best chance of watching the film to advantage ……. i.e. I was seated relatively close to the screen so as to allow the action to become totally encompassed within my visual field ……. and to be seated in the middle of a row with several empty seats on either side as well in front and behind thereby allowing me to sit in a suitably spread-out state without fear of interference from idle chatter by fellow viewers or of being dug in the back by a long-legged lout.

With these requirements in place, I was now fully prepared to watch the film and judge it without prejudice ……. why, I could almost pretend that I was a kid again and back at the Essoldo Bethnal Green!

Although I enjoyed the experience of seeing the film, the film itself was not, I fear, of a suitably high enough standard to make it memorable.

I never went to the theatre again, but would notice the changes that occurred whenever I returned to Langley to visit my parents.

—ooOoo—

Since the Granada Slough was close to Pinewood Studios, it was often chosen to screen new films prior to general release in order to learn audience response.  As a result, numerous film stars often attended these screenings and, at one time in the style of Hollywood’s Grauman’ Chinese Theatre, left their autograph along with their hand- and footprints in fresh cement in the large forecourt.

I noticed these autographed cement slabs, Walkway of Fame, in the forecourt of the theatre one day while waiting for a bus that was started in 1939.  I can only remember seeing that of the actress, Valerie Hobson, who during the early 1960s was back in the public’s eye by association, as a result of her husband’s, John Profumo, unfortunate scandal.  Miss Hobson played Mrs. Anna in the London Production of The King and I at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane during the 1950s with Herbert Lom as the King.

Top Left: Valerie Hobson in Kind Hearts & Coronets
Top Right: Herbert Lom in The Ladykillers
Bottom Left: Mrs Anna’s costumes for The King & I; Bottom Right: with husband, John Perfumo

By the time I moved to Slough, the practice of adding to the Walkway of Fame had long since been discontinued.  Once the theatre was demolished, the Walkway was  removed and taken to Wexham Nursey, a garden centre, just outside of the town centre, where I presume they remain.  I also learned sadly that some of the autographed slabs had been destroyed during the demolition.

Part of the Walkway of Fame
Lower Left: one of the remaining paving stones at Wexham Nursey

The Granada Theatre Slough was often used to screen pre-release feature films often made at Pinewood Studios.  I remember going to the theatre one evening only to find that many of the best seats had been roped-off for various town dignitaries.  I was annoyed as they had roped-off the area where I liked to sit.  I learned that there was to be a sneak preview, and as a result, the film I had come to see would not be shown!  Again, I was miffed. However, the film that was sneaked was a film of Bob Hope’s, Paris Holiday. The film also starred Anita Ekberg, Martha Hyer and the great French comedic actor, Fernandel.  Following the film, Bob Hope appeared and entertained the audience with a long monologue and a few songs. The audience was very impressed and the evening was considered a great success.  Several years later,

Paris Adventure
Top Row, Left to Right: Bob Hope, Martha Hyer, Film Poster & Fernandal
Bottom Row, Anita Ekberg in her most famous roles: La Dolce Vita (Left) & Baccaccio 70 (Right)

Mr. Hope also previewed his last Road to ……. Film, Road to Hong Kong, at the Granada Theatre Slough, since it had also been made at Pinewood Studios.  The film also starring Bing Crosby and Joan Collins.  Dorothy Lamour who also starred in the earlier Road to ……. Flims, only had a cameo role here.  I did not attend this sneak preview and have to admit that I still haven’t seen this film.

The Road to Hong Kong
Top Row, Left to Right: Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour & Film Poster
Bottom Row: Joan Collins, perhaps as she is thought of best, as Alexis Carrington Colby in Dynasty 

—ooOoo—

The Granada Theatre Slough was not only the first purpose-built Granada that I had ever been inside until that time, it was also the first cinema I had been to where I was lucky enough to both see and hear the organ.  As a child, I had always enjoyed the radio programmes where the cinema organ was played.  I always enjoyed the listening to the playing of Sandy MacPherson and was lucky enough to have a request played on From My Postbag.

Sandy MacPherson

A Wurlitzer 3 Manual/8 Rank Organ with a grand piano had been installed at the time of building of the theatre in 1937 and was introduced to the public by Dudley Beavan.  I remember watching the organ as it rose up from a place beneath the stage while the organist played an introductory piece.  Such a sight still causes the hair on the back of the neck to rise!  I cannot impress upon those that has never been fortunate enough to experience such an event that it is a sight truly remarkable to behold.  After the organist had completed his selection of tunes, both he and the organ would make a spectacular descent back to their place under the stage while his playing was drowned out by applause.

During the time I lived in Langley, I don’t recall my hearing the organ being played too often when I went to the theatre and felt fortunate whenever I did manage to catch an organ interlude.  The last time I heard The Slough Organ played was at a matinee performance on a Saturday afternoon when the theatre was showing The Greengage Summer.  Little did I know that this would be the last time I would enjoy the organ at the theatre.

The Greengage Summer
Top, Left: Film Poster; Top Right: Susannah York
Bottom, Left to Right: Kenneth More, Danielle Darrieux & Jane Asher

The Granada Slough Wurlitzer was played by a number of great organists over the years.  Reginald Dixon played it during the Second War World while he was stationed at the Royal Air Force Base at Uxbridge …….

Mr. Blackpool ……. Reginald Dixon

……. and made several gramophone records of his playing it.  Here is an example:

Classics of Swing – Reginald Dixon at the Granada Slough Wurlitzer, 1941

The Granada Slough Wurlitzer was removed from the theatre in January 1988 and was purchased by a private owner in Sevenoaks, Kent.  In 1991, the organ went into storage at Ivy Hatch, Kent with the possibility of it being installed at the East Malling School.  However, in 1995, it was moved to Somerset where it was restored by Mr. Les Birch and his team and there was discussion about it being installed in a Ballroom.  Seemingly this did not happen and the organ was eventually sold to Mr. Don and Mrs. Dorothy Robinson who installed it in their home at Market Rasen in Lincolnshire.  The Slough Wurlitzer continues to reside in their collection where it is maintained and played by resident tuner, Chris Booth.   The Granada Slough Wurlitzer replaced the Christie Organ from the Plaza/Granada Rugby that Mr. and Mrs. Robinson owned, which was then sold to a residence in Peterborough.

Lloyd Thomas playing Donkey Serenade at the Wurlitzer Organ of the  Granada Theatre Tooting

 —ooOoo—

Sadly, like other cinemas, the Granada Theatre Slough  eventually suffered from the fall of ticket sales and in an attempt to maintain the cinema, this glorious theatre was tripled in June 1973.  The circle area now formed one screen with 624 seats while the rear stalls was divided into two screens, with 239 and 187 seats respectively.  Sadly, ticket sales continued to fall and the theatre eventually closed on 19th November, 1987 and was soon demolished.

The demolition of the Granada Theatre Slough was a tragic loss to those who knew the theatre in its prime and who have many happy memories associated with it.  It is also a sad loss to those who appreciated the beauty of this glorious building.

 —ooOoo—

The site now houses the and office block with a new Slough Police Station adjacent to it. When I last visited Slough, I went to the Police Station and asked about the hand- and footprints of the stars that once graced the forecourt of the Granada Theatre. Naturally the young policeman had no idea what I was talking about.  Sadly, I have found that today’s Police seem no longer to be aware of The Golden Thread.

I remember as a child learning that there existed a Golden Thread between the public and the Police.  This meant that they, the Police, were there to serve the public.  We were told at school by visiting Policemen that we should never be fearful of them and should feel free to ask a Policeman anything.  I was raised to believe this and often asked them questions ranging from the time of day to directions when lost, as well as more serious questions when necessary and without hesitation.

Sadly society has changed and the Police obviously feel that they have more to worry about than remember this erstwhile maxim.

Changing Times

—ooOoo—

I eventually discovered that a few of the paving stones containing the autographs and hand- and footprints of a few stars were salvaged at the time of the Granada Theatre’s demolition and were taken to Wexham Nursery, just north of the Town Centre.

—ooOoo—