Kinematograph year book (1944)

188 The Kinematograph Year Book. duties. These requirements are fully met in the equipment sponsored by the old-established firms of Automaticket and Accurate Check, whose installations have proved admirably suited to the exceptional demands arising from war conditions. Both these companies have successfully continued, notwithstanding shortage of staff, their efficient maintenance service from their depots situated in key areas throughout the country. Lighting restrictions, which have increased the responsibilities of the cashier, have rendered easier the operations of the " grab and run " raider, who has also found victims in the managerial office. On the whole, however, the introduction of more effective precautions, including an alarm system and the dispositions of male members of the staff, have contributed to the lessening number of kinema cash desk raids. Hearing Aids. — A plea made by a provincial Chamber of Commerce for reinstallation of deaf-aid equipment in local kinemas is an indication of the importance attached by patrons to these facilities. Belore the war a large proportion of our theatres were putting in installations, and it seemed that managers were combining business with humanitarism by affording the means to deaf and hard of hearing persons to enjoy one of the few forms of entertainment available to them. Unfortunately, the war switched the activities of manufacturers to more pressingly needed products, and with it their skilled personnel who serviced the equipment. Managers apparently were unwilling, or at least unable, to see that the necessary maintenance was forthcoming, and the situation was aggravated by the sabotage and theft of the equipment, with the consequence that a very appreciable patronage has been lost to the theatre. These defections probably do not amount to a great deal during these days of crowded business, but it must be remembered that these deaf people are generally locals, whose patronage may well be required in the post-war period. It is a pity that the maintenance services of these firms which cater for this type of equipment could not have been adequately continued, and thus perpetuate the good will which the original installation of deaf aids engendered. It is to be hoped that the early post-war period will see an increased appreciation of this form of kinema service, which, in view of the large proportion of our population that is afflicted, cannot be regarded as altogether altruistic. One of the most popular theatre deaf-aid equipments is the Artiente, who, though now exclusively engaged in meeting service acoustic requirements, is working on a new type of equipment specially designed for kinema use, which it is hoped will be available soon after the close of hostilities. Other firms whose war activities have compelled them temporarily to neglect the kinema market are most of the prominent sound-equipment firms — R.C.A., G.B.-Kalee, B.T.-H., Western Electric, to mention but a few whose aids to hearing are recognised as an integral part of theatre equipment. Staff Uniforms. — One of the minor mysteries of theatre operation during the fourth year of war clothing restrictions is the maintenance of that smart and alert appearance which patrons have come to associate with the frontof-house staff of their favourite kinema. Probably the absence of the garish vestibule lighting more often than not mercifully cloaks the expedients arising from the enforced " make-and-mend." On the other hand, the fact that attendants generally retain still some of their pre-war distinction in quality and cut, must be credited both to the pre-war efforts of those firms who specialse in kinema clothing and to their war-time facilities for repair and renovation. A proportion of the credit is also due to the exhibitor whose dealings with reputable firms have ensured uniforms of the finest quality cloth and a well-tailored uniform. Most of the various uniform tailors are still able to supply customers' requirements as regards new clothing, but the demand is naturally restricted owing to the unwillingness of staff to surrender the necessary coupons ; one ground of objection being that if he or she were removed to other work, they would not get coupon value. The difficulty of