Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1925)

2184 Motion Picture News Proscenium and part of auditorium of Lubliner & Trinz Harding Theatre, Chicago. Description of An Attractive Lobby Using Special Displays By W m. F. Libman, Libman Spanjer Corp.. N. Y. C. LJAVING can icil the reader through the A modern lobby frame plant, and explaining step by step, the evolution of the building of the modern lobby frame and mirror, it would naturally follow that the uses and adaptability of these products be touched upon. As has been pointed out in the foregoing articles, the purpose of the lobby display is to attract, beautify, and adorn. The business of producing and exhibiting motion pictures, being a comparatively new one, it follows that the build:ng of accessories required by the motion picture theatre is a correspondingly youthful one. In this line of endeavor, as is the case in other trades and industries, certain styles and practices have come to be accepted as standards. Being structural, and confined to limitations dictated by the size and shape of the theatre lobby, certain styles and shapes of lobby frames and mirrors have been devised and followed, each of them treated with modifications or additions as the case might call for. Just as in architecture where there are just so many forms or styles, that permit for individual treatment and personality, so it is with lobby frames and mirrors. But every so often, a departure is made, either by request of the user, or necessitated by the lobby conformation, or through the ingenuity of the builder, or perhaps through a combination of all three of the foregoing elements. A striking example of such a departure is called to the writer's m:nd in a rpcent installation made at Reade's New Oxford Theatre at Plainfield, N. J. Instead of the usual elaborately treated style, a special type of frame was decided upon. This consisted of a simple 3-inch wide moulding, gold leafed, and burnished, with a hand hammered surfaced finish. These frames with a backing of blue silk plush, pleasingly and radically different, but the element that added still greater individuality was the manner in which they were installed. Instead of being attached in the customary manner, up against the lobby wall, they were actually hung by means of heavy silken blue and gold cords or ropes with tasselled ends, in much the same manner as is used in the hangings of expensive oil paintings. This is really the effect that is produced in this unusually artistic lobby; just as though the lobby frames were magnificent works of art in a wonaerful painting gallery. The moment that one enters this lobby, which by the way is 100 feet in depth, he is first greeted by two massive solid bronze 3-sheet combination frames that flank the entrance. Then past the set of four lobby frames hanging as described above, in sets of two, that are hung between artistic pilasters, and then into the foyer. It is at this point that the real individuality of the lobby strikes one. For here are two magnificent Italian marble lamps, one on either side of the foyer. Each of these lamps are carved out of a single block of beautiful marble, solid from the bas? up to the howl shaped urn in which the lighting elements are placed. These bowls, cupped by the sculptor o"t of the solid piece, produce the most wonderful translucent lighting effect imaginable when the illumination is complete. This lighting effect is greatly enhanced by the background provided through two magnificent large tapestries that cover each wall behind these alabaster lamps. The entire lobby itself is lighted up by means of a group of jewelled crystal chandeliers that hang from the lobby ceiling, and that add no little contribution to the beauty of this lobby which the writer considers one of the finest in this country. Plans Announced for New Albuquerque Theatre Announcement was recently made by the Bachechi Amusement Company that plans are being drawn for a Class A theatre, capable of accommodating the largest theatrical productions, vaudeville and motion pictures, to be erected at the northeast corner of West Central avenue and Fifth street. The new theatre will have a 75-foot frontage on Central and 142 feet frontage on Fifth. It will be 50 feet high in front. It will have a seating capacity of 1,400. The stage will be 32x75 feet with a loft 60 feet in height and proscenium arch 34 feet. The style of architecture is early Spanish mission and the furnishings will conform to this artistic style. The exterior and interior finish will be of polychrome terra cotta. The roof will be of ornamental mission tiling. The interior decorations will be beautiful, designed by artists of great ability and will cost approximately $10,000. The entire interior will be carpeted in handsome velour. Wurlitzer May Build in Kansas City The Rudolph Wur'itzer Company, manufacturers of musical instruments, mav build a new $500,000 building in Kansas City soon, according: to Howard E. Wur'itzer, president, who was in Kansas City inspecting: possible sites for the building.