Cinema News and Property Gazette Technical Supplement (1924-1925, 1943, 1946)

January 8, 1925. Supplement to THE CINEMA NEWS AND PROPERTY GAZETTE. 13 of the films submitted for trade-showing. This is notably the case in respect of American films. 1 hardly dare lay the flattering unction to my soul that any of my remarks have been productive of this improvement. It is pleasing, however, to be able to record it. I am I oi.ed to admit that in many instances the subjects selected have been such as to make it impossible for the producer to reduce the footage and at the same time do proper justice to the story. There is, however, a marked tendency to pad out very ordinary subjects by elaborate settings, or some striking incidents which demand considerable footage for their presentation without adding to the story-value of the film, although sometimes increasing its entertainment value. What seems to me to be absolutely necessary is that those who are responsible for supplying the British market should make this point very clear to those on the American side; and they, on their part, when dealing with the film on this side with a view of reducing its length to suit the requirements of the trade, should employ capable editors, and exercise infinitely greater care than is the practice at present in the matter of titles. The lay Press frequently points to quite obvious ' howlers ' that could be avoided if this were done." ENCOURAGING OPERATORS The Pressman asked Mr. King what remedy he "ould propose in regard to the treatment of films. To this Mr. King replied: "It may not be so widely known as it should be that my association recently decided to co-operate with . the Trades Council, as soon as that body is actually functioning, with a view, by means of prizes, of encouraging operators generally to improve projection, and to develop a deeper interest in the condition of films. Then, too, a movement inaugurated by the K.R.S., which has resulted in the production of a very practical and instructive film, dealing with the treatment of film generally, which it is intended to circulate in co-operaticn with the branches of my association, aided, I understand, bv addresses to be delivered by Mr. Blake, of the Kodak Company, should do much in the direction which is so highly desirable. But, of course, in this connection the operator will be handicapped every time in putting forward his best efforts if he has, as is too frequentlv the case, to deal with projectors that should have been scrapped vears ago. ^ And even in the case of recently installed machines, unless provision is made for him to have sufficient time to thoroughly overhaul and keep his machine in order, the treatment meted out to films will still continue to be bad." THE VALUE OF ARC MIRRORS. 'Is it not a fact," said the interviewer, " that tingrowth of overhead expenses and the increasing price of films, necessitates serious attention to the question of current with a view to economy? " " Yes, I agree," said Mr. King, " that every item of expenditure should be narrowly watched, and the use of the arc mirror is undoubtedlv a distinct advance in the direction of economy. I have alreadv ventilated mv views on the subject of arc mirrors, which will, no doubt, be familiar to your readers; the salient feature of which was that the arc mirror, if used with a proper approximation of current, is tolerably safe and highly economical. It is, however, essential to get the right type of carbon. I understand that carbon makers have been directing their attention to the manufacture of really satisfactory carbons, of which, I expect, more will be heard, shortly." WHAT OLD PROJECTORS AND CARELESS OPERATING MEAN. " It is a common, but very false notion," added Mr. King, " that economy is being exercised by holding on to an old projector. No effort should be spared to destroy this hopeless fallacy. It must be obvious that the fewer copies of a film which it is necessary for a distributor to use, the better will be the opportunity for him to charge lower rentals. Whilst I believe there are some distributors who are honestly anxious to keep down the price of films to such a standard as will make the business profitable to the exhibitor, I candidly confess that there are others who are deserving of no mercy. Bad machines and careless operating do, tO' my certain knowledge, play havoc with absolutely new films, and it should be borne in mind that this treatment reacts upon those exhibitors who have to follow on. At the same time it gives an excuse to the renter not only to continue circulating bad copies but to claim higher prices." Incidentally, the Pressman alluded to the provision of effects in cinemas which is being advocated in some quarters, and Mr. King remarked : " On that subject, I think exhibitors are very apt to be led astray by elaborate premier presentations of a film. Whilst it is perhaps obvious that some advantage may accrue from viewing a film elaborately presented on such occasions, these efforts have an entirely reverse effect when an attempt is made to reproduce them with inadequate material — in fact, they not infrequently become ridiculous. The first great essential to success is to remedy the defects alreadv pointed out, and to devote time and money in that direction rather than utilising it — at any rate for the moment — in undertaking doubtful new experiments which must add materially to the overhead1 charges." We have received from Messrs. John Wright and Co. a pamphlet entitled " Warming: Large Buildings." The heating of large interiors efficiently and economically is a problem that has for a long time called for a scientific solution. Messrs. John Wright and Co., Essex Works, Aston, Birmingham, claim to have solved this problem scientifically by the St. Andrew gas-heated steam radiator. Each radiator is self-contained, needing only a gas supplv connection, and is fitted with a patent automatic valve. The function of this mechanism is to regulate the heat automatically by means of steam pressure, so that the room is kept at an even temperature whatever the fluctuations of temperature outside ; this control is effected by actually cutting down or increasing the gas supply, and thus a great saviny in fuel i^ attainpH.