The Cine Technician (1935-1937)

May, 1936 The Journal of the Association of Cine-Technicians 19 Peerless System of Film Conditioning At the invitation of British Instructional Laboratories Ltd., 8-9 Long Acre, W.C, A.C.T. recently sent a representative to view the installation and to obtain particulars of the "Peerless" System of Film Conditioning. This is a process by which green film, both negative and positive, is lubricated and hardened without the use of the old-fashioned waxing, or of formaldehyde and alum baths with their attendant disadvantages. After normal laboratory processing films are placed still spooled up, in racks, in a vacuum chamber and are impregnated with two distinct vaporised solutions. The first of these consists of a special lubricant, and the second a secret formula which hardens the emulsion ; but the celluloid base remains in its original state. It is claimed that when a film is treated in this manner its useful life is very considerably lengthened, as stray emulsion is not picked up by the runners or the gates of the projector, with the consequent risks of scratching. Besides all this, the emulsion remains throughout the hfe of the film in a much more flexible condition, so that perforation strain is considerably reduced and breakages are not nearly so likely to occur owing to the absence of curling. Although A.C.T. has not yet had an opportunity to test film treated by the Peerless Process, our representative was shown correspondence from many of the leading American and British Renting concerns testifying to its great value for release prints, and one letter in particular, from the head projectionist of a leading London cinema, who had tested it in direct comparison to untreated film, was particularly appreciative. We understand that a large proportion of American prints is at present undergoing the Peerless Process as a routine part of film finishing, and at least two of the major British Renting concerns have their complete output treated in this way. First A.C.T. Ball and Cabaret Chiltern Hall was packed by 500 people on the occasion of the first A.C.T. Ball and Cabaret on Shrove Tuesday, 25th February, 1936. There were many novel features and competitions, including a film winding contest and a pancake scramble. Dancing took place until 2 a.m. to Leo Croke and his Trackmakers. The large company included Lord and Lady Marley, Alfred Denville, M.P., Bertram Mills, Anthony Asquith, Capt. and Mrs. A. G. D. West, Arthur Elton. S. S. A. Watkins, W. H. Clarke, a "Kodak" party, and, of course, many leading studio technicians. A Cabaret was staged at midnight and the following artistes gave their services : — Ronald Frankau, Billy Merson, Mademoiselle Veronica, Max Kirby, Ann Zeigler, Cornell, Colville and Jose, and James McSherry. The many enquiries received as to the date of the next function is sufficient testimony to the success of A.C.T. 's first social effort. Incidentally, it is rumoured that all previous Chiltern Court bar-takings records went by the board ! INDISPENSA BLE REGISTERED "EDITOLA" TRADE MARK il ALL-PURPOSE FILM EDITING MACHINE it ^r MADE IN ENGLAND SPECIAL FEATURES Entirely self-contained all mains 200-250 v. A.C. Quiet in operation. Takes combined print, separate picture and track, 17.5 sound track or short rolls witli equal facility. Picture visible to several persons. Easy operation. Ideal for dialogue transcriptions and musical arrangements. Simple and open tlireading with both apertures fully accessible. Self-checking take-offs with immediate and simultaneous take-ups. Reversing pre-set veeder counter with single picture indicator. Easy manual propulsion for syllable or slow picture scanning. Spool and flange models or both. Excellent sound with ample volume. Centralised and simple switching control with instantaneous starting and stopping and immediate reverse. Damage to film practically impossible, negative may be run with minimum possible risk. Totally enclosed. Practically fool proof and maintenance negligible. Guaranteed one year against faulty manufacture. Service available. £215 EX WORKS Subject to Discount Approved A c. s. PHOTOGRAPHIC ELECTRICAL Co. Ltd., 80 Wardour St., W.I Tel. 1366 Gerrard