Rio Cinema

In the Rutherglen district to the south of Glasgow on Glasgow Road at the corner of King Street, across the road from Rutherglen West & Wardlawhill Parish Church. The Rio Cinema was opened on 23rd September 1935 by Suburban Pictures Ltd. The opening ceremony included Provost John Gilmour reading a cable from film star Margaret Sullavan, who expressed her best wishes for the new cinema, and which was followed by the romantic comedy “The Good Fairy”, in which she starred.

The seating capacity was 2,017 and an RCA sound system had been installed.

The Rio Cinema was acquired by Peter Crerar in May 1936, then in June 1938 by Scottish Central Cinemas Ltd. a subsidiary of the Caledonian Associated Cinemas Ltd. chain.

By the late-1950’s the seating capacity had reduced to 1,876.

CinemaScope and stereophonic sound were introduced with a screen that measured 49ft by 21ft 6ins (in a 50ft wide proscenium) and 4-track magnetic sound. 3D films were also among the attractions.

Unfortunately, the cinema’s location, on the busy Glasgow Road sealed its fate. After being compulsorily purchased to enable a road improvements to go ahead the Rio Cinema closed in June 1971 and was demolished.

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