Year book of motion pictures (1926)

not be less than 42" at the stage and should increase at the rate of 1J4" for every 5'. Aisles having seats on one side only should be not less than 36" in width at the stage and increased in the same manner. The seats should be firmly fixed to the floor by suitable castings. Loose and broken seats should receive immediate attention. Sidewalks should be illuminated. There is an apparent tendency toward glaring lights, due to the advertising advantages, hut too glaring lights are sometimes responsible for falls and stumbling ut pedestrians. Coal hole covers and other metal covers should be of non-slipping material or construction. Keeping the sidewalks in the best possible shape, without any projections or obstructions is important. Many theaters have show cases attached to the walls, displaying pictures of the performers, which attract attention and are likely to cause stumbling or falls. In the lobby flooring should be of anti-slip material. If mats are used, they should be countersunk level with the flooring to prevent tripping, and abrasive or moisture absorbing material should be used when the weather conditions cause snow or rain to be tracked in, if mosaic or marble flooring is used. The placing of mirrors on the walls of lobbies is sometimes responsible for accidents, due to optical illusions. The bulk of the classified accidents, due to falling objects, were from plaster. Utmost care should be taken in examining ceilings and decorations during the period in which the theater is closed or when renovations are being made. A very small particle, dropping forty or fifty feet, might inflict a painful injury. The placing of clothing, umbrellas, bottles, candy boxes, etc., on balcony rails, from where they may easily be precipitated, is a procedure that should be strictly prohibited. The use of brass railings on top of balcony rails has resulted in a number ol accidents, due to sections of the railings becoming loose and falling on patrons on the main floor of the auditorium. Accidents caused by fire are generally due to panic. Practically every theater can empty its entire capacity within a few minutes. City and State requirements demand at least 3 feet of exit for every 100 persons, and each exit should be at least 5 feet in width, and the doors should swing outward with the least possible effort. The selfopening arrangement, operated by pushing against a conveniently located bar, is becoming more and more in general use. Draw-bolts, hooks and similar devices have been found undesirable. Practically all theaters are constructed with a a proscenium well with self-closing fire-proof doors and an asbestos curtain so that in case of fire on the stage it can be confined entirely to tht stage. The stage should also be equipped with a metal skylight which will open automatically by heat from the stage or by the releasing or cutting of a1 rope. At the present time most modern stages are also equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Theaters in the future will, no doubt, be built without balconies, the auditorium being on the ground floor with horizontal exits on all sides. Panics in theaters, due to fire, have demonstrated a tendency upon the part of the public to attempt to leave through the main entrance. Training the public to leave by fire exits would in time get them into the habit of leaving by those exits. This, however, has in many instances been found undesirable on account of such exits being cumbersome and accident producers. Exits of this kind, of course, should never have been tolerated by the authorities. A number of moving picture houses located cn street corners have attempted the practice of having the patrons use two doorways, one for entrance and the other for exit ; the entrance being at the rear of the seats and the exit being on the side at a level with the front of the stage. This expedites the handling of the people and causes the least disturbance among audiences where shows are run continu ously. All employees should be informed as to the location and method of manipulating the fire extinguishers and hose connections, and other firefighting appliances. They should also be instructed as to the location of the nearest fire alarm box. They should be thoroughly familiar with all emergency exits and fire escapes throughout the building. They should also be familiar with the best method of dismissing audiences in case of fire or impending panic so that the theater may be emptied quickly and in an orderly manner. All switches and electrical apparatus should be enclosed and locked. Radiators should be recessed into the walls or in screened enclosures. No obstructions of any kind should be permitted in aisles or passageways. All doors should be provided with checks, properly located, and also with devices which will hold them open without blocking. Stairs on the stage leading to dressing rooms should be kept free from obstructions and kept in good condition. Ii there are runways, hand railings and toe boards should be provided. A definite painted mark should be provided on the stage floor, or the performers should be given some guide prior to their first performance on the stage as to the location of a drop curtain. The above data should be of the utmost value, as it is the result of careful research work which has been carried on throughout the country. FARM FOLK AND THE MOVIES Early in the Spring Sam R. McKelvie, publisher of "The Nebraska Farmer" made a survey of what his readers liked in the way of pictures. A ballot was prepared and printed in the publication, filled in, tabulated, and the result was as follows: 239 Women and 112 men, totalling 351, voted. To the question "what type of pictures do you prefer?" the result showed: (81) Farce Comedy, (138) Melodrama, (93) Short Comedies, (77) Society Comedies, (69) Serials, (115) Society Drama, (91) News Films. To the question : Are you tiring of the socalled jazz-age picture? 139 answered "Yes." 108 answered "No." To the question : Do you prefer a mixed program, or one fine feature picture? 71 preferred a mixed program. 209 preferred one fine feature picture. Tom Mix was voted the most popular star, with 34 votes ; Fred Thompson was tied for second with Tommy Meighan, with 19 votes each; Colleen Moore, third, with 18 votes; Norma Talmadge next with 16; Mary Pickford got 15, Valentino 14; Gloria Swanson and Lois Wilson each had 13 votes. Hoot Gibson, 12; Harold Lloyd, 11, Betty Compson and Pola Negri each 10. Stars securing less than 10 votes are not mentioned here, but it is interesting to note that "Silver King" Thompson's horse, got 7 votes, which, incidentally, was more than Lillian Gish polled. Over 60 well known players and stars received three or less votes from the Nebraskans. Of the pictures seen — 378 were mentioned — ■ "The Covered Wagon" led the list with 64 firsts, 26 second choice and 21 third choice. "The Sea Hawk" and "North of 36" were tied for second place. "Hot Water" was next. Of the 360 pictures which the farmers, and their wives wanted to see, "The Code of the West" was first. A Sensible Law During the Summer at Port Arthur, Tex., an ordinance was adopted making it a fineable offense to crack peanuts in a theater or movie show. On the books is also an ordinance against making "goo-goo eyes" at the flappers. 9