International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

Autoscope System Tried in Southwest By David Hamrah I.A.T.S.E. Local 423 The Autoscope system was conceived and built by Tom Smith, LA. member from Local 280, Denison, Texas, and his brother Bob. They have been working on this system for the past ten years. The booth is built in a three-story building. On the ground floor is located the generator and amplifier. On the second floor is the projection system and on the third floor, or penthouse, is located the optical system. The entire feature film is put on a 40" reel. This reel has an 8" hub. The feed reel and take-up reel each have an idler roller (fig. A.), that works on a floating principle and keeps the film at a proper tension at all times. The film then goes under and over a series of large (l1/^" diameter) wooden rollers to a metal chute (fig. B. ) . This chute is located just over the lamps to protect the film from the heat. The projector head ( fig. C. ) , used in this set up, is a Simplex Excel with two modifications. Directly back of the aperture is mounted a frosted glass to spread the light. In front of the aperture is a holder to take a hand-ground 1" by P/2" lens to unsqueeze the Cinemascope frame. This lens is used for Cinemascope as there are no other lenses in the projector. This system uses Simplex sound head and amplifier. The Strong (90) lamps, using 75 amps, are mounted at right angles to the projector head. The light is reflected to the aperture by a highly polished mirror. This mirror is mounted on a swivel and is used to change over from one lamp to the other. Directly above the 40" feed reel is mounted a pair of rewinds. These rewinds are used in making up the program, i.e., transferring the film from the shipping reels directly to the 40" reel. A mirror (fig. D.), is mounted on an angle in front of the projector head where the conventional lenses are normally used. This mirror reflects the picture to a large cluster of lenses. The optical system is mounted in the penthouse directly above the projector. There are 260 long focal-length lenses, one for each mirror and screen. These lenses are mounted in a lens tube four inches long and have a %" diameter. The lenses for the inner circle of screens have a 26" focal length, the outer circle a 32" focal length. The lenses are aimed at a series of mirrors 1%" by 3%" in size and are mounted on steel plates. These mirrors are angled off through four portholes, each porthole covering 65 screens. The screens are set in two circles. The inner circle is 200' from the booth, the outer circle is 50' beyond and has a five' higher ramp elevation. The screens are 3' by 5' and made of a plastic material. The screens are set 4' from each other, and mounted in a wooden frame for easy replacement. The speakers are mounted on posts and are in easy reach as in the conventional Drive-in. Local 423 in August signed its first contract with the Circle Drive-In Theatre. Under terms of the one-year agreement, some concessions were made because the project is experimental. The projectionist spends an average of 15 minutes per day checking the mirrors for alignment. iP Weis Co. Plans Drive-in Car Comfort Units A new drive-in theatre that will eventually accommodate up to 1,200 vehicles is planned in Macon, Ga. by Weis Theatres of Savannah and Macon. A revolutionary new item will be added to facilities: a temperature control unit for each car that will blow hot in winter, cold in summer. Another modern trend in outdoor presentation will be observed in that the new theatre, named for the company that operates it, will be run on a strict first-run policy. Other features include a 65-ft. CinemaScope screen, and a modern concessions pavillion designed by architect William Finch. iP Corpus Christi Theatres Plan Two New Houses The construction of two movie theatres was recently announced by Bruce Collins Sr., executive vice president of Corpus Christi Theatres, part of Rowley United Theatres. Collins said one will be built in the Woodlawn Shopping Center by the Peterson Development Co. and the second one in the south side of the city. Each will seat about 600 persons compared to about 1,200 at the downtown theatres. iP Projectionists who like quality always use the best Film Cement Sold by Supply Dealers Send for FREE Sample ACE CHEMICAL CO. ■ (Division of the Ace Electric Mfg. Co.) 1923 Bay Road Miami Beach, Florida OUT OF PRINT MITCHELL MANUAL AVAILABLE! The renowned "Manual for Practical Projection" by Robert A. Mitchell is now out of print, according to an announcement by the bookseller. International Projectionist. Returns from our retail outlets have been consolidated and we now have approximately 40 volumes of the Mitchell Manual available on a first-come-first served basis. These books are in brand new condition, complete with dust jackets; have never been used. This rare publication can be yours for $10 cash or money order. Sorry, no C.O.D. or foreign orders can be accepted at this price. Sheehan Booksellers Box 410, Route 5 Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 International Projectionist July, 1964