International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

New RKO Theatre Graces 23 rd Street With the opening of RKO 23rd Street Theatre (on 23rd Street near Eighth Avenue) the RKO Theatre chain is now operating eight theatres in Manhattan. The new theatre is of the stadium type. Modern in architecture and decor, its seating capacity is 900. The projection booth was equipped by Joe Hornstein, Inc. with Norelco 35/70 mm, mounted with Ashcraft Super Cinex (water cooled) and Ashcraft rectifiers. Bausch and Lomb lenses are used for flat, CinemaScope and 70mm projection. The sound system reproduces single track optical, and three, four and six track magnetic. Mixing is done at high level with Ampex and RCA equipment. Five sets of RCA stage loud speakers, and surround speakers are concealed in the ceiling and at the rear wall of the auditorium. Projection is zero. Push-button Screen The screen is a 23x46 ft. Hurley Super-Option, and can be masked to fit all processes and aspect ratios by push button control from the booth. Morris Heller, Irving Specland, Michael Goldstein, Joseph Schweit and Benjamin Phillips make up the projection crew. The RKO 23rd Street is part of the Penn Station South development, by Mutual Redevelopment Houses Inc. RKO Theatres has a long-term lease. Mutual Redevelopment has constructed the outside walls of the new theatre. Under the agreement, RKO Theatres, at a cost of more than $350,000, constructed and decorated the interior of the theatre. The walls of the theatre are landscaped on three sides. John J. McNamara, architect for the RKO Theatres, and Herman J. Jessor, architect for the development, collaborated on the design. Hot water during the heating season and chilled water in the air conditioning season is piped into the theatre from the control plant of the development, eliminating the need for compressors or boilers in the theatre. The seats are Griggs pushback type, with foam rubber added to both the spring-type bottoms and backs. Upholstery is a combination of blue and gold. Carpeting, by Stephen Leedom Company, especially designed and woven for the theatre, is a matching combination of blue and gold. Modern Lighting The lighting system is mainly down lights in the lobby, sunken lounge and the auditorium. Decorative lighting fixtures are the only exception to the down lighting. Auditorium down lights are by Century Lighting Company. Wall brackets and general lighting fixtures are by Adams Lighting Company. All auditorium lighting is motorized, two-scene, Kleigl silicon type electronic dimmer system, controlled from the projection room. Two motorized curtains, proscenium and title curtain, arranged for stopping at any position, are controlled from the booth. The attraction signs are illuminated by fluorescent lamps, installed by Artkraft Strauss. Changeable sign letters are Adler Silhouette in colors. Sal Parete is the manager of the theatre, which is being operated on a first-run policy. iP 10 The modern facade of the RKO 23rd Street Theatre in Manhattan is a suggestion of the modern decor and furnishings inside. Norelco 35/70mm projectors, fitted with Bausch and Lomb lenses, are capable of flat, CinemaScope and 70mm projection. Ashcraft, RCA and Ampex equipment is also used in the theatre's optical and sound amplification systems. The RKO 23rd St's 900-seat auditorium is done in blue and gold. This photo shows its well modulated downlight system, and reveals the house's excellent acoustic properties. International Projectionist March, 1964