Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

January 14, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD Chicago Firm Stages Unique Concert Of Mechanically Controlled Violins A recital demonstration of the Mills Group Control of Stringed Instruments was held at Kimball Hall, Chicago, recently. The concert, comprising a wide range of music, was attended by music reviewers of various Chicago newspapers and publications of the musical field. The occasion was said to mark a revolutionary innovation in the field of music, further developments of which, it was predicted by those in attendance, will be watched with interest. Played by One Man The Mill Group Control of Stringed Instruments, by means of electrical devices, enables one musician sitting at a keyboard to play any number of violins with complete command over all their resources. The keyboard, at which the player sits, resembles a small organ. It contains two rows of keys. At the base are three foot-pedals and the player, through electrical control is capable of operating any number of violins, either singly or collectively. Each violin is a complete unit. It is mounted by itself and is connected with the keyboard by an electric cable controlled by a switch. At the concert at Kimball Hall eight such violins were thus connected, and played. Produces Even Tones It is pointed out that ordinarily the tones of the violin are obtained by energizing its strings with a bow. The CLASSIFIED Five Cents per Word Payable in Advance. Minimum Charge, $1.00 SPECIAL FEATURE FILM THEATRE MANAGERS — "Round the World" — a feature for special occasions. Write for information. WORLD, 857 South State Street, Chicago, 111. CAMERA BARGAINS Motion Picture Camera! at cast aaving pricet Special rofesslonal diacouota on UNIVFRSALS lmmsdlata dsltvarr on alt modals. IlaBrls. llaFranns. Paths and mnnr others dorooo strated In oar showroom. Sand for oar com nlste catalog at onca. fraa on reqnaat. BASS CHIMERA COMPANY Dept. H, 109 N. Dearborn St., Ctllcag o. III. Quality plus Service DEVELOPING PRINTING TITLES Art and Announcement Titles. Cartoons Camera Man Furnished on Short Notice STANDARD MOTION PICTURE CO. 1005-1006 Mailers Bid;. Telepboae Ceniral 2347 Chicago, III. Mills instrument substitutes for the uneven back and forth movement of the ordinary bow, a continuous even rotary motion by means of a small celluloid disc attached to a revolving shaft, one for each string of the violin. All four of them may be played simultaneously, a thing which cannot be done on an ordinary violin. The musician may play as rapidly as he can make his fingers fly over the keyboard. He may make runs, skips or leaps whether playing one violin or a dozen, with all the command of the best violinist. Suited for Theatres That there is a wide field for the use of this system of group controlled violins is pointed out by the musical expert of a Chicago newspaper. According to his views the system would simplify certain orchestral problems and could be advantageously adapted for theatres and motion picture houses where large orchestras are required. Made Sales Manager Of Smith Unit Organ W. P. Tanney Transferred from Pittsburgh to Important Chicago Post W. P. Tanney has been appointed sales manager of the Smith Unit Organ Company, with headquarters in Chicago. Mr. Tanney assumed his new duties the first of December. The new sales manager has been associated with the Smith company for more than five years, coming to Chicago from the Pittsburgh territory, where he acted as special representative. Mr. Tanney is now engaged with the other officials of the company in planning the 1922 sales campaign, which, it is said, is to be more comprehensive in scope than any attempted by the concern. He is succeeded in the Pittsburgh territory by Roy Abels. New Orpheum Theatre Opened at Flora, Illinois The Orpheum theatre at Flora, 111., has been opened by the Cosmopolitan Advertising and Amusement Corporation. The building housing the new theatre has been completely remodeled and the house which formerly occupied the site has been converted into a modern playhouse in every respect. The seating capacity has been increased to 550. A ladies' rest room has been installed. The stage has been enlarged and new and pretentious setting acquired, with effective lighting apparatus. Two new projection machines have been purchased for the operator and a modern ventilating and heating system inaugurated. 75 RobbinsiOpens Third House in Watertown Olympic Is Added to String of Theatres in > Syracuse and Utica Nathan Robbins has added three new houses at Watertown, N. Y., to his string of theatres in Syracuse and Utica. The most recent addition is the Olympic, at Watertown, which was opened a short time ago with impressive ceremonies. Mayor Makes Speech City officials, including Mayor Robert E. Cahill, were guests of Mr. Robbins on the opening night. Mayor Cahill was introduced to the audience by Dr. J. Victor Wilson, presentation director for the Robbins houses, and in a speech welcomed the new house as an attractive addition to the city's amusement enterprises. Flower pieces were presented to Mr. Robbins and telegrams from stars and producers were read from the stage. To Run Latest Films The Olympic theatre will pursue a policy of presenting the latest pictures in conjunction with a program of music rendered by the Olympic Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Patrick Conway. "The Little Minister," starring Betty Compson, Harold Lloyd comedy, scenic and educational studies, and Pathe News comprised the program for the initial show. Open Peerless House With Smith Unit Organ The Peerless theatre, a 1,000 seat house, which is owned and operated by W. T. Pierce, opened to capacity business on Thursday, December 1. The special feature was the Smith Unit Organ of sixtyfour speaking stops. The following was what the Kewanee Star Courier had to say: "One of the outstanding features of the new Peerless theatre is the beautiful Smith Unit Orchestral Organ. This instrument has sixty-four speaking stops or different combinations and is especially built for the latest in motion picture music. The wonderful accoustics of the auditorium were especially noted in the music produced by this splendid instrument. Certainly the Smith Organ will be a delightful addition to the musical life of Kewanee and community. John Behan is the organist." Will Build $1,000,000 Theatre on Astor Block NEW YORK.— A $1,000,000 theatre is to be erected on the William Waldorf Astor block on the west side of Avenue A, Third to Fourth streets. Morris J. Stang has purchased the property as a representative of a building syndicate.