International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

Movie Projection in Saudi Arabia By L. F. ADAMS Inrernational-Bechtel, Inc. THE position of motion picture projectionist in these remote outposts of American enterprise is likely to entail considerably more than just the operation and maintenance of projectors. Along with "putting them in and taking them out," one must be prepared to fulfil the functions of film inspector, theater publicist, house custodian, sound serviceman, electrician, shipping and receiving clerk, and even advisor on amateur photography. All this is less complicated than it may seem, as most of these duties are performed by those employed for the purpose, but it is still necessary to be in readiness. For example, since arriving in Saudi Arabia several months ago, the writer has been obliged to inspect a number of prints foot by foot, making most of the many splices over, removing misframes, and trying to make up sufficient leaders. Downstairs, the Arab janitor had to be instructed in sweeping, cleaning, and seat arrangement. Since there was a language barrier, the instruction consisted of our performing the job and then following him through. Then there was a donkey race, complete with pari-mutuel betting, requiring the setting up of a public address system; and two recent flash shows, employing stage and spotlights. In addition, it is frequently necessary to check films on and off special planes, so it will be seen that one may be quite busy at times. Mostly, however, there is only the exhibition of single features to be handled, and this is a simple matter out here. Inasmuch as moving pictures are taboo for most Moslems, the few installations are for the benefit of American and European personnel of the several oil companies and their contracting organizations now operating throughout the Middle East. There are eight theaters in this general area: one is operated by the Kuwait Oil Company for its personnel in the Sheikhdom of Kuwait; another is located on Bahrein Island for the employees of the Bahrein Petroleum Company; three theaters serve the populace of Dhahran, Abqaiq, and Ras Tanura, while three others furnish entertainment at the TransArabian Pipeline camps. As projectionist for International Bechtel, Inc., the writer is concerned with the Base Camp Theater at Ras El Misha'ab, approximately 175 miles northeast of Dhahran, and two line camp theaters. The latter are at present outdoor in stallations, one being in a mobile camp, and the other at the site of a pump station. The mobile setup consists of two Simplex portable projectors, with Mazda lamps, mounted in a trailer. The screen is constructed on the site. The pump station has an outdoor booth housing two Simplex E-7's, Peerless Magnarcs supplied by rectifiers, and Simplex sound equipment. Pictures are shown on a large wooden frame screen. The Base Theater is a Quonset structure with stage, conventional sound screen, and fireproof projection room. It seats approximately 225 persons in lounge and camp chairs. In wintertime the floor is cleared for occasional dances. The building is air-conditioned, as are all the main buildings in the camp. Projectors and sound system are DeVry Navy Type "C," with Peerless lamps, rated at 50 amperes and supplied by Baldor Rect-o-Lites. At 90 feet throw, the screen image is 14% feet in width. Three programs per week are supplied by Aramco, and they are run two nights and one morning each. They are then forwarded to the line camps for single showings, after which they are returned to Dhahran, Aramco headquarters. All shipments are by air. Aramco receives film in unmounted, single rolls from the various exchanges in Bombay. At Dhahran, the prints are mounted on double reels for use on the circuit, and are broken down again upon completion of the run. Most prints are fairly well worked, and footage is generally missing from the ends of reels, making it necessary to insert new cue marks in order to effect accurate changeovers. Apparently the projectionists out in this part of the world have never head of standards, for we have found cues 30 and 40 feet before the ends of some reels. There is often a bewildering display of Larry Sabatino: Labor, Civic Work Win Unions Goodwill THE issuance recently of a Theatrical Mutual Associations charter to Westchester County, N.Y., focuses attention upon one of the most active workers in behalf of Labor not only in that alleged garden spot of New York State but almost anywhere else one would elect to name. Reference is made here to the organizer and first president of Westchester TMA Lodge 141 — Larry Sabatino. Larry is a member of IA projectionist Local 650 in Westchester, but his activities in behalf of Labor range far and wide and are by no means confined to the amusement field. In fact, one of his earliest chores was the organizing of the General Optical Co. of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., in the process of which he obtained a 15% wage increase for all its workers. The need for a "press secretary" for two IA locals is not too readily apparent, but in filling this spot over a period of six years Larry has really made an impression on the Westchester populace by means of beating the drum long and hard anent the civic contributions of the locals. One of his more recent tasks, admirably discharged, was the reorganization of the Westchester County Federation of Labor, of which he is now both the delegate and executive. He is also delegate of the Central Committee representing veterans of World Wars I and II. Currently Larry in engaged on one of his biggest civic jobs as chairman of the Yonkers, N.Y., Community Chest, and he cockily proclaims that he will turn in a bang-up performance. There are many other fraternal and civic activities in which Larry has engaged or in which he is now active, the list being much too long to include herein. What should be set down here, however, is that there are all too few union members of Larry's stripe, who in going out and tackling all manner of such chores reflect the highest credit upon and gain the greatest goodwill for their union. 'Ten Best' Films of 1949 in F. D. Poll The "Ten Best" films of 1949 as reported by 416 critics to the annual Film Daily poll were: The Snake Pit (20thFox) ; The Red Shoes (Eagle-Lion) ; A Letter to Three Wives (20th-Fox) ; Champion (United Artists) ; The Stratton Story (M-G-M) ; Come to the Stable (20th-Fox) ; Home of the Brave (United Artists) ; Command Decision (M-G-M) ; The Heiress (Par.) ; and Pinky (20thFox). 22 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST MARCH 1950