Kinematograph year book (1935)

Equipment and Technique in 1 934. 229 No sliding or moving contacts are used with the power circuit and no heat dissipating, resisting elements. Continuous cyclic colour changing can be arranged for. This system can be arranged to operate in conjunction with the standard sound reproducer to obtain automatic control of lighting according to the intensity and pitch of sound. PATRON AMENITIES. — Care should be given to the general patron amenities of the kinema. A car park, particularly in better-class situations, should be regarded as an essential convenience, while a well-run and conveniently placed cafe is certain to be a source of considerable financial revenue in almost any district. Another point which may be depended upon to increase the goodwill of any theatre is the equipment of a certain number of seats with some form of deaf-aid apparatus. Installations of this type of equipment were originally made more or less as a " stunt," but the reaction of the public soon convinced theatre proprietors that catering for the needs of the deaf was a very sound business proposition, and such well-known firms as Ardente, Ossicaide and Western Electric, who specialise in this equipment have been kept busy in making installations. CINEMATOGRAPH ACT (1909) AMENDMENT. The object of the proposed amendment of the Cinematograph Act, it is understood, is to consolidate all the various legal enactments which govern the kinematograph Industry. Attempts are being made by local authorities to obtain control of all exhibitions whether of "non-flam" or infla mmable film which, it is contended, is necessary for the safety and protection of the public. A general tendency is observed toward the tightening up by authorities of the regulations governing kinemas. In many areas restriction — and, in some instances, the abolition— of standing has been imposed. In London, for instance, a very considerable limitation of the numbers permitted to stand came into operation on January 1. Floor lighting in all new constructions is also now obligatory. Both in London and elsewhere stringent regulations cover the equipment and testing of fire appliances, and there has also been evidence of the intention of provincial councils to approach more nearly to the L.C.C. constructional requirements. NON-FLAM FILM SHOWS. No further developments are recorded in the use of " non-flam " film base for commercial kinema exhibition, but the growing competition of free shows, principally of advertising films, has made the subject one of general trade interest. In Cardiff, a letting had to be turned down because the chief constable contended there was no such thing as "non-flam," and at Plymouth in a prosecution in respect of the screening of " non-flam " films in a church hall, the bench declined to give a ruling on the inflammability or otherwise of the stock employed. The Board of Trade, while admitting to a West Lanes exhibitor that there had been no ruling as to what was and what was not "non-flam," added that of the many films submitted to them from time to time there was not one that was "non-flam." "Quality Sound and Sound Quality." "ARDENTE " PUBLIC ADDRESS EQUIPMENT " ARDENTE" CINEMA DEAF SETS Already installed in many of the leading Ginemas. Estimates and Demonstrations FREE. 3Q9, OXFORD STREET, LONDON, W.l. 'Phones : Mayfair 1380/1718. THE WORLDS GREATEST SOUND SERVICE