The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

XX THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE September 16, 19IU 1 ECTION NSES COLOR. SOUND OR SILENT fILMS, TAYLOR The past few weeks have been extremely active ones for the Christie Organ people, and hardly a post has arrived which did not contain particulars of some new installation. The instrument installed at the Victoria, Cambridge, established an instantaneous success under the capable manipulation of Frank Matthew. At the opening ceremony Mr. Matthew presented a programme of mixed classical and jazz numbers, following these by an organ accompaniment to a popular non-sync item, “ You Are My Heart's Delight,” and the applause was notable. The Cambridge organ is a fine three-manual instrument and. as will be seen, has an unusually pleasing console, mounted on an electric lift. The Mayor, in his inaugural speech, went out of his way to pay a tribute to the beauty of this instrument, which had evidently greatly impressed him, and his references provoked applause from a distinguished first-night gathering. One of the outstanding Christie successes has been the organ at the Palladium, Blackpool, where the popularity of the instrument has been in evidence during the recent appalling weather. The theatre has been packed from 10.30 a.m. until midnight, and the organist, James Hodgetts, has daily been building up a reputation both for himself and the fine two-manual Christie. Mr. Hodgetts has developed to a fine art the accompaniment of music played by the ” talkie ” set and has solved the problems which every organist knows are formidable in this particular form of playing combination. As handled at the Blackpool Palla Unusually compact and pleasing Christie Console at the Victoria, Cambridge diuni, the two sets of sound intermingled in an arresting and delightful manner. The policy of having a new instrument opened by relays of prominent organists has proved particularly successful at the Palace, Lancaster, where the instrument has been taken for a week at a time by outstanding organists from all over the country. The first night in the hands of Melbourne Holman proved a remarkable popular success, and he showed great ability in getting his effects over with the right degree of showmanship. Mr. Holman is convinced there is no instrument to compare with the Christie, which, the perfect cinema organ.” Here, also, effective use is being made of records of great artists played on the non-sync apparatus and accompanied by very suitable effects on the Christie. This kind of item appears to be unfailingly popular whenever it is carried out, as here, with skill and care. Another new instrument is being opened this week at the Empire, Neath, Glamorgan. This is a fine three-manual organ complete with all the usual effects and accessories. Hitherto, South Wales has not had many unit organs installed : in fact, unless we are mistaken, there are only two others in use, at the Plaza, Swansea, and the Castle, Merthyr Tydfil. The third at the Neath Empire is likely to be as popular as its predecessors, for the Welsh are partial larly caoable of appreciating an instrument of tinmusical distinction of a Christie. Quick Screen Work The Perforated Front Projection Screen Company has been responsible for several instances of quick time installation, but. we doubt if their efforts for the Seven Kings Cinema have been improved upon. That theatre had a fire which damaged the screen. So they asked for a new one in a hurry, at 9.30 one morning. By noon that day the screen, which measured 19 ft. by 25 ft., was installed ! As a result the Perforated Front Projection Screen Company received a letter which read " We thank you for your letter of the 9th instant re the new perforated screen that you fixed at the Seven Kings Cinema for us, and we wish to place on record our full appreciation for the expeditious manner you attended to the order.” Not surprising, was it ? The concern is installing screens — and replacing others of different makes— at a trulv astonishing rate. Installations for the past month number well over 40. One of the most important recent installations is that at the Granada, Tooting. This screen is one of the largest in use for regular projection, and measures 40 ft. by 28 ft. ! IMPERIAL. HANLEY Improvements are to be made at the Imperial Picture Palace, Hanley, now purchased by Regal Cinemas, Ltd. The Imperial, one of the oldest and one of the largest halls in the city, will, following the alterations, take its place among the premier cinemas of the Potteries. The alterations include the installing of sound apparatus, and refitting and refurnishing. The management expect to be ready for reopening in weeks’ time, when the 'l'"' named “ The Plaza.” three theatre will be re HARROW ROAD REBUILDING It is understood that Sam Berney, who now controls the Prince of Wales Cinema, Harrow Road, W., proposes to close that theatre down in the near future .or what will be practically a complete rebuilding scheme. Additional property has been acquired both at the rear and sides of the theatre, and when rebuilt the Prince ol Wales will have an approximate seating capacity ol 1,700. The plans have already been passed and contracts will shoitlv placed. Christie's Latest Openings