Kinematograph year book (1944)

Film Exhibition and Kinema Technique. 193 by the scarcity of players. This could be rectified by the establishment of facilities for tuition of promising youngsters. It is suggested that a lead in this direction might be given by the big circuits who could very well arrange for one of their theatres in each area to be used as a centre where it might be possible for budding organists to obtain at moderate fees instiuction from a qualified teacher. After hostilities there will possibly be an influx of candidates for kinema appointments because, doubtless, many men who now double the position of manager-organist will elect to remain on the executive side ; if, however, we are to attract a superior class of musician some of the conditions under which pre-war organists functioned will need adjustment. The lack of unity among them has led to the suggestion that they should follow the lead of their managerial colleagues and organise. There have been previous attempts in this direction. In the silent film days many were members of the musicians union, and afterwards the organists branch of the Incorporated Society of Musicians did much good work before its dissolution, but there is little room in industry or the arts for the unattached and unrepresented. At no distant futuie the pros and cons of association with one society or the other must receive the consideration of the kinema organist. Presentation,— With an organ in good condition and an organist with a degiee of showmanship there need be no anxiety concerning the presentation of a vanety piogramme, as many exhibitois have proved to their advantage. On the other hand, it is of no use to substitute a fifth-rate stage show for a second feature as many of the less discerning have done. The dearth of artists practically prohibits professional variety, and even were they available the greatest care in booking is necessary for the atmosphere of the kinema differs radically from that of the intimate music hall. The most successful type of presentation is that which enlists the aid of the sei vices, whether in connection with a patriotic scena or in a short variety programme contributed by a local service concert party. The former is often effectively employed as a prologue to a suitable film or for a propaganda stunt while if the latter is not practicable, a " services " or an " amateur " night will prove amusing, even if not much outstanding talent is unearthed. The effect and sccpe of the organ as a front rank musical instrument has been proved by its use in some kinemas as the sole accompaniment for musical comedy excerpts and even to local operatic performances. Then, of course, there is the ever popular— musical interlude, which, in the hands of a capable musician aided by a minimum of lighting effects is often a thing of charm and musical satisfaction. Indeed, it may be claimed that the oiigin of the obvious improvement in musical appreciation of the public may be traced to the kinema. This has been noticed by not a few of our organists whose experience is that, among the majority of patrons there is a return to the love of melody in musical compositioDs, and appreciation of pure organ tone. A recital interlude is given straight in some theatres, in others slides are found to be necessary, but they should be used with discretion. The use of microphone announcement provides a welcome intimacy between player and audiences, but it is nor often that an organist possesses a " mike " presence, and unless he has a nimble wit and ready tongue his stuff is likely to be banal and uninspiring. A carefully prepared and well written script is When— It's Slides: \ ALL THE ORGANISTS ( \ ARE MORGANISTS t \ ) MORGAN'S SLIDES LTD. S } 309, GRAY'S INN ROAD, LONDON, W.C.I. TtUphont: Terminus 2536 (3 hntt