Boxoffice (Jul-Sep 1939)

Byrd Theatre. Ordinarily, the sound sprocket fits very tightly on the shaft of the 707-type drive. So tightly, in fact, that removing the pin from the sprocket still wouldn’t have allowed the sprocket to rotate freely on the shaft. Yes, and there was the additional danger of causing a worn and scored shaft by allowing the sprocket to rotate on the shaft, since the sprocket bore is not ground to a polished bearing surface. However, it just goes to show how a little ingenuity, mixed with plenty of luck and some common horse sense, can keep a show on the sheet when by rights the projectionist would expect to reach for that distress signal, the “One Moment Please!” slide. Modernization and Expansion Build Community Good Will (Continued from page 57) way, to a lounge, 16' 6"x45', on the mezzanine level, and into their balcony section, which seats 282. The mezzanine lounge is designed with a series of large half-round arches reaching from the floor to the highest point of the ceiling, and also has unusual curved stair railings. Its soft-toned blue and gray walls and colorful carpeting frame a setting made up of ornamental etched glass and chromium lighting fixtures, modernistic terra cotta drinking fountain, and comfortable chrome and leather furniture. Rest rooms for men and women adjoin the general lounge, and an added convenience is the poudre room for women, containing four make-up shelves and mirrors. Since members of the colored race form an important part of the theatre’s regular patronage, a special stairway has been provided for them at the right-hand end of the foyer, by means of which they pass OF COURSE YOU'RE INTERESTED New improvements and better performance of AUTODRAPE Curtain Machines means lower operating cost. As a step to economy we offer the dependable No. 145 AUTODRAPE. You get — 32% more power capacity through the use of a 1/3 h. p. motor Instead of a 1/4 h. p. motor — automatic overload protective breaker — many other advantages ... all at no Increase in price. The greatest value ever offered. Of course you’re interested in aulo^Tape CURTAIN MACHINES AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO. 1035 Linden St. Allentown, Pa. Export Office: 230 W. 42nd St., New York City Also Manufacturers of Allentown Steel Curtain Tracks and Curtain Machines to a second lounge, 12' 9"x29', located directly above the general lounge, with rest rooms for men and women adjoining. A balcony section seating 117 is especially reserved for the use of colored patrons. Balcony traffic is handled by means of two aisles and two cross aisles, the colored section being separated from the remainder of the seating by railings and gates which can be opened quickly in case of emergency. Unique in Lighting Effect In keeping with late practice in theatre design, no ceiling fixtures are used in the auditorium proper, but the entire interior may be floodlighted in three-color effects from a series of long chromium and glass side wall fixtures of modern design. The auditorium tapers slightly toward the stage opening, 33'x28', which does not have a formal proscenium arch, but depends upon luxurious blue and silver draperies to frame the screen. The stage is 14' 6" deep by 35' wide, with a height sufficient to fly the screen and horns, to allow the presentation of the average unit show. Auditorium walls and ceiling are painted in shades of blue, gray and silver, with wide pilasters and overhead beams decorated in lightening shades ranging from a rich midnight blue to the most delicate baby blue. All seating throughout the house is arranged in 32" rows, back to back; most of the seats are comfortable 20" chairs. The orchestra section is divided into two banks, with center aisle and two wall aisles. Projection room, 10' 6"xl8', located at the rear of the balcony, contains toilet facilities for the operators, and is also air-conditioned for their comfort. Generator room, 7'x5' adjoins the projection room. The entire theatre ceiling is insulated with a layer of rock wool. 'Tlie building is completely air-conditioned by an entirely automatic system, using two 40 h. p. compressors for summer cooling, and indirect steam for winter heat. Theatre Supply Men Travel Extensively According to figures just released. National Theatre Supply Company representatives travel over their respective territories at the rate of 3,792 miles a day, or the equivalent of a journey around the world every QYz days. Since old mother earth’s circumference today is listed at 24,900 miles, these men in traveling 1,400,000 miles a year to call on their customers went 56 times around the world. This is exclusive of special night-time and emergency service calls made at all hours by the service crew. As the supply men travel by car, their purchases of gasoline alone in their own local territories totaled over 100,000 gallons in addition to oil, tires and repairs, aU purchased from dealers in the salesmen’s own localities. Add food, drinks, hotel charges and taxes for highway upkeep and it appears that the equipment men, besides maintaining themselves and their families as “home folks” and members of the community in their respective territories also leave a tidy cash sum each year in the towns they visit while calling on their customers. White, Silver and Shatter-Proof Beaded For Those Who Plan On fe'alJIliil Better Patronage Good showmanship demands equipment that shows pictures at their best. With a gray or soiled screen you risk lost patronage. Replace now with a new Da-Lite Screen of the right surface and increase house appeal and profits. Da-Llte Screen Co./ Inc. 2725 N. Crawford live.. Chicago. 111. ‘iransVerteR Enjoys Toting a Good, Big Overload It "can take it" when other types of current conversion would fold up under like conditions. Ask about its many other advantages. Consult the nearest office of The National Theatre Supply Co.; in Canada, General Theatre Supply Co.; or write us. The Hertner Electric Co. 12695 Elmwood Ave., Cleveland, O., U.S.A. Exclusive Manufacturers of the Transverter BOXOFFICE :: August 19, 1939 67