Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1929)

70 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OF December 21, 1929 employing motion pictures has not taken hold in Trinidad Government educational institutions to any extent, owing to lack of appropriations. However, with greatly improved conditions of Government finances the educational department could spend more. The Director of Education of the Crown Colony of Trinidad and Tobago would be pleased to receive information and catalogues relative to educational equipment. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC From reports by Consuls James J. Murphy, Jr., and W. A. Bickers, Santo Domingo Standard projectors. — There are 28 small motion picture theatres in the Dominican Republic. Only two theatres have more than one projector, and these have two. Practically all the machines are old, inexpensive models, all being of American manufacture. Special preference is given to American projectors, owing to the fact that repair parts can be procured in a very short time. In addition to the foregoing there are a few of the wealthier families which have private motion picture machines, most of these being of the small portable type. Generators and arc lamps. — There are no generator sets for the conversion of alternating to direct current, but is is the opinion of one motion picture theatre owner that such sets may be sold here. High-intensity and mirror-reflector arc lamps are not used. Screens. — There are two theatres in the Dominican Republic, both in Santo Domingo City, which make use of American fiber screens. All other theatres use canvas painted with aluminum. Dealers. — Owing to the small number of motion picture theatres in the Dominican Republic, projectors and accessories are not carried in stock by any dealers. It would be difficult to interest a dealer in them, and it is doubtful whether any commission agent would consider such a representation. Most of the well-known American machines and accessories can be obtained in San Juan, Porto Rico, and the stocks in the Dominican Republic are usually replenished from this source. Visual education. — Up to the present time there has been no effort made by "ACE" MAZDA ADAPTER Price $10.00 (Without Globe) Excellent for Traveling Shows, Small Theatres, Schools and Churches. Can be used in any Projector. We Sell Mazda Transformers, Reflectors, Lamps and All IVTazda Equipment. Monarch Theatre Supply Co. 395 S. Second St. Memphis, Tenn. the Dominican Republic to make use of motion pictures in educational institutions. The Minister of Justice and Public Instruction of the Dominican Government has been presented with such a plan, but up to the present time no appropriations have been made for this purpose. FRENCH WEST INDIES GUADELOUPE From report by Consul William H. Hunt The colony of Guadeloupe and dependencies, with an estimated population of 235,993, has six motion picture houses, two of which are at Pointe a Pitre, one at Basse Terre, one at St. Claude, one at Le Moule, and one at Marie Galante. Standard projectors. — Owing to the high customs duties imposed on American-made projectors, all the motion picture houses in Guadeloupe use French projectors, the Gaumont and Pathe makes being preferred. The selling prices of these are: Gaumont, 12,000 francs (about $470 in United States currency), and Pathe, 10,000 francs (about $392). There are no outstanding features which make these projectors appeal to local theatre owners. The American projectors are acknowledged to be superior over all other makes, but the tariff duties imposed on them render direct importations practically impossible. Most of the projectors in use are old models. Only one theatre has two machines. Generators. — No American projectors have been used to date in the colony. Arc lamps and screens.— High-intensity and mirror-reflector arc lamps are not used in Guadeloupe motion picture houses. Cloth screens are used exclusively. Visual education. — Visual education through motion pictures has made no progress whatever in Guadeloupe educational institutions. American or other foreign films imported into Guadeloupe pertaining to education or other subjects come under the supervision of a commission appointed by the governor of the colony. MARTINIQUE From report by Consul Walter S. Reineck There are eight motion picture theatres in Martinique. At the present time the principal makes of projectors in use are the Pathe and Gaumont, the latter being slightly preferred because of its stronger construction. There is one German (Ernemann) projector in use. No American machines have been purchased or installed. All the projectors are old models, and only one theatre has two machines. Operators usually order equipment direct from France, and it is suggested that American firms desiring to make offers to Martinique operators had best do so through their Paris agencies. Direct current is used everywhere where electric current is supplied; consequently generator sets are not in demand. High intensity arc lamps are not used. The screens are of canvas, painted in water colors. Visual educa tion through motion pictures has not yet been introduced in the colony. HAITI From report by Consul Samuel W. Honaker, Port au Prince Standard projectors. — There are five motion picture theatres in Port au Prince and several small houses where films are exhibited throughout the Republic of Haiti. Most of the theatres are equipped with American-made projectors, although a few French machines are used in the smaller theatres. Practically all the projectors have been in use more than three years, and the barracks theatre of the United States Marine Corps at Port au Prince is the only theatre using more than one machine. The few purchases that have been made of French projectors have been owing principally to the influence of the language and business affiliations prevalent in Haiti. Current. — There are only two cities in the Port au Prince consular district which have public lighting systems, these being located at Port au Prince and Jacmel. Both supply alternating current of 110 volts and 42 cycles. Arc lamps and screens. — High-intensity and mirror-reflector arc lamps are not used in the public theatres, although such equipment is employed to some extent in the theatres of the United States Marine Corps. Screens are almost invariable white sheeting or muslin to which no special treatment has been given. Portable projectors. — There recently have been introduced into Haiti several portable projectors, all of American manufacture. These were purchased by individuals for personal use. The demand throughout Haiti is decidedly limited at the present time, owing to the low purchasing power and the low standards of living of the people. Visual education. — Motion pictures have not yet been introduced as an aid to educational work in Haiti. Teaching by such means should, however, possess possibilities. The Minister of Public Instruction, with offices in Port au Prince, is in charge of educational matters. The director of the technical service has charge of agricultural education.