the sixth land

By sixthland

Granada Cinema, Tooting:

From anorak.co.uk: "There are many famous buildings around Britain,and,one of them that is a hidden treasure in London,is the Granada cinema in Tooting.This cinema was originally opened on September 7th 1931 and was so popular that 2,000 people were turned away on the opening night!

To go to watch a film in any cinema many years ago was for many Brits a weekly escape into fantasy.An escape to another world.To just walk through the doors of the Granada in Tooting was however, the very beginning of that fantasy because its fabulous design was simply breathtaking.You couldn't quite believe what you were seeing as you walked to your seat.Marble pillars,a huge carved ceiling,beautiful mirrors everywhere, and staircases that made you feel that you were entering Buckingham Palace.

Over the years many famous stars have also entertained at the Granada,and they include Danny Kaye, Lena Horne,Johnny Ray, Frankie Laine, and Frank Sinatra.

In later years,the Granada stopped showing films and bingo took over as its main business.

Due to the Granada's unique history and architecture this buliding is now a protected property and,is actually listed by English Heritage as a Grade 1 building.This gives it the same importance and status as the Tower of London,Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge etc.

As a Londoner who was born in Tooting, I can remember visting the Granada to see films and,can recall being in awe of the amazing beauty of its interior.As a youngster I was taken there and the film that was being shown was the successful "Love is a Many Splendoured Things," starring the American actor William Holden."

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