The Bioscope (Apr-May 1915)

THE Broscope, May 6, 1915. 555 “The Stain,” the latest long subject shown by Mr. Jowett, of Pathé’s Glasgow Branch, held the Trade viewers enthralled last Friday. From first to last the story grips, and works up well to the final dramatic climax. ‘‘ The Stain” will make a good successor to “ Her Dreadful Secret,”’ one of the greatest Pathé successes. I had the pleasure last week of visiting Glasgow’s Technical College, which the Governors claim to be the largest and most perfect institute of its kind in the world. I may say it covers in all over eight acres of floor space. Perhaps some may imagine that this has nothing to do with cinemas, but in the College employees of cinemas have opportunities of improving their knowledge of the business which are seldom presented. The electrical demonstration and class-rooms are perfect models, and contain specimens of almost every known make of motors, dynamos, generators, etc., etc., and classes are held regularly at hours which would suit operators or electricians. Those who can take advantage of the College should certainly do so, they will be increasing their own value, and employers are always ready to recognise exceptional capabilities in a tangible manner. In addition to the Belgian Relief Fortnight already arranged, the Glasgow Exhibitors’ Association convened a meeting (held yesterday) to consider what could be done by exhibitors to aid the Corporation’s Fund for Refugees in Scotland. It seems a pity that the Association should have put forth their effort meantime. A better response to their appeal would have been a foregone conclusion had they waited until the scheme already unanimously decided on had been carried out. A _ report of the meeting will appear next week. Mr. J. J. Bennell, of the B.B. Pictures, Limited, whose hobby is work, has been taking an enforced holiday at Harrogate, owing to a breakdown in health. I hear, however, that Mr. Bennell is making a good recovery and hopes to be back at his post by next week. If anything were required to prove the efficacy of the arrangements and precautions against. danger from fire in Glasgow cinemas, a splendid example was provided last week. A fire broke out in a film store of a popular house, the firebrigade were summoned, about £100 damage was done; and the crowded audience were never aware anything was wrong. One up for Glasgow. The Scot loves a screaming comic, and this week thousands in Glasgow and Edinburgh have been convulsed by the antics of Marie Dressler and Charlie Chaplin in “ Tillie’s Punctured Ro Digitized by Go gle mance.” In both cities new records have been put up, and it will take a good subject to lower the figures. By a curious coincidence in both cities the picture was shown ‘at the ‘Cinema House,” although the companies have no connection with each other. They have one thing in common—the faculty to spot winners. The Grand Theatre, Glasgow, will be opened as a picture house on May 17th, under the management of Mr. S. Cruickshank, from Messrs. Green's Gorbals Picturedome. The lessees of the Grand are the Bicclor Picture Company, who already own ten large theatres. Two new projectors are being installed, extensive alterations carried out, and when the house opens the residents in this north-western district will find themselves well catered for. The prices are to run from one penny to sixpence. The programme will be all pictures, and the best of picturas at that. ; Last week I was shown a portion of the Scottish Artistic Producing Company’s latest scenic, “Loch Lomond.” The quality of the photography and toning was perfection, and if such: work characterises all the productions of this new concern there should be no fear of the future. The Land o’ Cakes abounds in scenic bits of unequalled beauty, and the producers will be a long time in exhausting the _possibilities of the country. Mount Stuart House, Rothesay, the Scottish residence of Lord and Lady Bute, one of the stateliest mansions in the country, is at present used in part as a hospital for wounded sailors. In addition to sharing the duties of nursing, Lady Bute sees to it that there is no lack of entertainment for the wounded heroes, and in this connection, cinema entertainments are given weekly in the magnificent drawing room. Here a projector has been installed, screen fitted up, and every Friday, Mr. Eskdale, from the Empire, Rothesay, gives a programme calculated to cheer up those who are fortunate to witness the performance. Variety is lent by artists appearing in Rothesay, giving their services, while Mr. Eskdale occasionally has the assistance of ‘‘stars’’ from the Glasgow halls. The munificence of Lord and Lady Bute in thus providing entertainment, is highly appreciated by the men. To BE DISPOSED OF immediately (owner retiring) the entire contents of THE IBROX PALACE, GLASGOW : 400 handsome tip-up chairs, pit seats, ete, Elaborate electric fittings, first-class motor generator, and all up-to-date apparatus. If not sold at once by private treaty, will be sold by public auction, of which due notice will be given.—For particulars, and order to view, address PICKARD, PANOPTICON, GLASGOW, Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY