The Exhibitor (Jun-Nov 1944)

BETTER MANAGEMENT BM-13 Newsreels Change Sound Track Level New York — An important change in the sound track level of the various newsreels was announced last week by a Technical Sound Committee representing the news¬ reels of all of the major companies. On the recommendation of this commit¬ tee, it was decided to reduce the present recording level of the newsreels to an intensity equivalent to the sound stand¬ ards used in feature motion pictures. This change will be effective beginning with the Sept. 5 issues of Paramount News, Pathe News, Fox Movietone News, News of the Day, and Universal News. It is pointed out by the committee that inasmuch as newsreels have in the past been recorded at a much higher level than is normally used on feature pictures, the¬ atre projectionists have been forced to reduce their fader setting by three or four steps to make the sound level acceptable to their house operating conditions. Inasmuch as projectionists often went too far in reducing the fader setting, the sound presentation of the newsreel suf¬ fered. With the newsreels issued as from Sept. 5, and thereafter, it will be unnecessary for projectionists to alter the sound fader setting between the feature picture and newsreel. Projectionists are accordingly being in¬ structed not to alter the fader setting on newsreels as they have in the past, but to run the newsreel at the so-called house normal. Under this condition of projection, the commentator’s voice should be equivalent to a speaker with forceful delivery, and hence give the newsreel the punch that is in keeping with the subject matter pre¬ sented. At this reduced recording level it will be possible for the newsreel to utilize the extra volume range on the film to accentuate important sound effects where necessary. “Reminder” notices in the shipping can, or a special photographic notice on the newsreel in the vicinity of the start mark, will be used for several succeeding issues after the inception of these new standards. Got a problem? The solution may be waiting for you among the specially prepared forms and systems which are available at cost to theatres which subscribe to this paper. THE EXHIBITOR BOOK % SHOP ConilneteJ us ii Serrice & Courtesy to Subscribers by JAY EMANUEL PUBLICATIONS, INC. 1225 Vine Street • Philadelphia, Pa. Prizes Offered Trade In "Seventh Cross" Hunt New York — MGM’s ‘‘The Seventh Cross” will receive the benefit of a unique trans¬ continental exploitation stunt, with the company offering $3,500 in war bonds for the “capture” of “George Heisler,” the name of the character played by Spencer Tracy in the film, it was announced last week. The “fugitive,” Tracy’s stand-in, will journey across the nation stopping at seven important cities. In each city, a reward of $500 will be paid to the citizen recogniz¬ ing him. For each city from which he “escapes” unrecognized, the reward will be upped another $500 in the next city. The fugitive will not be allowed to dis¬ guise his face in any way, but is permitted to change his costume at will. Posters and placards in all cities will broadcast his likeness, backed up by radio alarms. In each city seven strategic spots will be designated, marked with a crimson cross, past which the hunted man will pass at sometime during his stay of 24 hours in that particular community. On recognizing the fugitive, the citizen must approach him, tap him on the shoul¬ der, and say: “You are George Heisler; the Seventh Cross Awaits You!” Only one citizen in each city can make the capture, and collect the reward. “George Heisler’s” schedule is as fol¬ lows: San Francisco, Cal., Sept. 5; Denver, Col., 9; Cleveland, O., 12; Chicago, 14; Washington, 16; Boston, 19, and New York, 21. Besides the patriotic service of providing a check on the average citizen’s alert¬ ness to spies and saboteurs, the stunt offers exhibitors an excellent hypo in selling "The Seventh Cross,” which stars Tracy in a man-hunt across Nazi Germany. This is one of a number of national pro¬ motions on the film which includes an ex¬ tensive radio, advertising, and posting campaign. Sell War Bonds In Your Theatre Every Day, Every Week, Every Month, and Help Shorten the Time to Victory. /ake a tip from Showman Chum and coddle your Auditorium with SUPPLIES from . . . NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY Division of National « Simplex • Bludworth, Inc EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES FOR EVERY THEATRE NEED NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS Interior Decoration • Curtains • Draperies Murals • Acoustic Wall Treatments 320 West 48th Street, New York City TYPHOON AIR CONDITIONING CO. COOLING (if HEATING SYSTEMS if ill TYPES Philadelphia, Pa New York. N Y August 30, 1944 THE EXHIBITOR