Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Warm tribute to friendly and loving cinema manager Miss Watt
This Advertiser article is dedicated to the memory of Miss Lily Watt, manager of the Odeon cinema in Coatbridge, with love, affection and gratitude.
The cinema was located opposite where the site of the Quadrant shopping centre now stands.
Miss Watt acted as manager from the 1950s to 1970s.
She was the sister of much-loved singing duo Fran and Anna, and was a competent pianist in her own right.
Miss Watt ran a tight ship at the Odeon, making it a great picture house to enjoy the latest films on release.
To admit I was a regular patron at the Odeon during my childhood would be quite an understatement.
I haunted the cinema, and had the privilege of forming an easy-going relationship with Miss Watt.
On a chilly Saturday afternoon in September 1961, I was one of the enthusiastic kids queuing up to see a matinee performance of Whistle Down the Wind.
When the manager spotted me in the line-up she came over and took me by the hand, saying that my admission would be her treat.
I was then escorted up to the circle, where I’d never sat before.
What a thrill it was to enjoy the show with extra pocket money for ice cream and sweeties.
In August 1963, Summer Magic opened at the Odeon.
My love of cinema often led to impulsive antics and without a penny in my pocket, I walked from Airdrie to the venue, fixated on seeing the movie.
The intention was good but the method was wrong as I managed to sneak into the back stalls of the cinema without paying!
As I sat there wideeyed with wonder at my idol Hayley Mills, suddenly someone tapped me on the shoulder.
It was Miss Watt, who asked:“you didn’t call at the pay box tonight, did you William?”
“Oh Miss Watt”, I replied.“my mum’s pension day isn’t until tomorrow and we have no money. I’m sorry, I wanted so much to see this picture.”
In a moment of nervous anticipation, expecting to be given the heave-ho out the door, she patted my head gently and said:“just as well I know you; you’re a right wee devil!”