The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Bob was mobbed
“Readers have reacted to the recent item about Green’s Playhouse,” writes Fraser Elder, “and a variety of memories have reached me revealing highlights from the halcyon days of the art-deco theatre.
“A former Morgan Academy pupil recalled a school trip in 1938 direct by tramcar from Forfar Road to the Nethergate theatre to enjoy the screening of the first major technicolour feature film relating to the V&A dynasty. Entitled 60 Glorious Years, the film starred Anna Neagle and was produced by husband Herbert Wilcox.
“Our correspondent says: ‘I remember the 87-foot tower with the words Green’s Playhouse. The letter U was squint and when people asked why this was so, the reply was: ‘because We-Want U-In!’
“Another memory is of the visit to the city by 50s Hollywood legend Bob Hope for his Caird Hall shows in September 1952 (see below). The comedian took time out between performances to make a surprise visit to the Green’s where he was mobbed by boisterous teenagers in a crowd of over 2,000 cinema-goers. He made a retreat with his suit ruined after doors in the foyer were damaged.
“After a frantic dash from the cinema he was then confronted by a 5,000-strong crowd in the City Square awaiting his arrival for his second show of the day.
“Other Green’s enthusiasts have recalled the live shows in the twilight period for the theatre in the 1960s with stars such as Frank Ifield headlining.
“One show in 1964 with a local touch featured the American singing group The Drifters. They shared top billing with five members of Dundee FC who had formed a singing group called Hammy and the Hamsters.
“Led by Dens Park international legend Alex Hamilton with team-mates Kenny Cameron, Craig Brown (who became Scotland’s longest serving manager), Alec Stuart and Shug Robertson, the quintet enjoyed brief success with the city’s best-selling pop disc.
“There were also Miss Dundee contests, staged with a variety of British film stars judging, including June Laverick from the Doctor films, and personalities from both Dundee football clubs.”