Amateur Cine World (October 1936)

A Real “HOME” A cinema such as this must be the dream of many amateurs. It was constructed on the top floor of a house at Bromley by an “Amateur Cine’’ readzr, Mr. R. D. B. Hodges. BUILT BY AN “ AMATEUR CINE” READER HIS home cinema, the ‘‘ Chandos,’ has been built in the two top rooms of the house. They were originally two separate rooms, having a wall and door between them, but these have been removed, thus enabling an uninterrupted throw of twenty feet to be obtained. The rooms run the length of the house and have windows at each end. The auditorium is made of ply wood, supported by 2 x 1 inch battens and is 7 ft. in breadth, by 3 ft. in depth, the actual proscenium arch being 5 ft. by 5 ft. 6 ins. at its highest point. There is a batten at the top and one at the bottom for coloured lighting effects, and it is proposed to place a spot light each side, in the wings, fitted with coloured gelatine for additional effects. The screen is silver surfaced, stretched over a wooden frame, and is fitted across one of the windows, thus blocking out the daylight. The stage tabs are made of old gold heavy silk with apple green tassels and cords; this combination takes the coloured lights extremely well, The screen tabs are silver grey, and both sets of tabs are hand operated from the projection room. The wings and flies are leaf-green cloth. The loud speaker is placed at one side of the stage. The proscenium arch is papered with ivory-coloured embossed ceiling paper which gives an excellent plaster effect. The scheme of decoration in the auditorium is leaf-green walls, with salmon pink ceiling, and leaf-green curtains which conceal the cupboards. The lighting consists of nine 5 watt and three 25 watt 210 volt bulbs. Owing to the limit of weight on the floor only eight people can be accommodated at any one time, although there would be ample room for twelve or more. For this reason, too, basket work chairs are used instead of tip-up seats. The partition separating the theatre from the projection room is made of five-ply wood, well strengthened with stout battens and supports. There are two projection ports in it, one observation port, and one for lantern slides and spot light. Two electric turntables and amplifier unit supply the musical accompaniment. Directly below the projection room shelf is the switch CINEMA Above: Proscenium of the Chandos Cinema; Left: Entrance to the cinema. It is lighted by 5 watt 210 volt lamps. board. There are six dimmers. To equalise the load, three separate circuits were made on the switchboard, leading in from three separate points from the ordinary house lighting. One circuit is for all stage lighting, one for the projectors, and the third for the gramophone pickups and amplifier, house lighting and projection room lighting. | From these three main | circuits every branch circuit and each stage colour bank has its own fuses. Proposed improvements include the making of a small cocktail bar, and an electric automatic sign at the foot of the stairs. It is suggested also that to hide an unwanted fireplace, a small fountain with artificial flowers and coloured lights be built into the fire grate. CINEMA SHOWS FOR WAR SUFFERERS To the Editor, ‘‘Amateur Cine World ’’ Sir,—Last year I was asked to give a cinema show at one of the wards of Queen Mary’s Hospital at Roehampton Lane. ‘There are, to-day, eighteen years after the war finished, hundreds of ex-soldiers who are still suffering from wounds. Our society has given many shows for charity, but I can honestly say they have never been more enjoyed than by these gallant men. We have now decided to open a fund to enable these men to have their own shows in the various wards. The approval of the committee of the hospital has been obtained. In this connection our society is giving a public show of amateur films on October 17th at the Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, W.C.1. Although we have been promised full support, we are still in need of funds as the cinema outfit, together with the loan contract for films and screens, will cost more than £250. May we ask for financial support for this scheme ? Any donations will be gratefully received and will, of course, be acknowledged. B. Lupin. 100, Chamberlayne Road, Brondesbury C.S. Kensal Rise, N.W.10. 319