The Exhibitor (1954)

Knoxville Scenic and Synthetic Vision Corp. To Manufacture— Market Proscenium Package Dayton, O. — The Synthetic Vision Corporation proscenium package, featuring automatic formatting, will be jointly manufactured and distributed by Synthetic Vision and Knoxville Scenic Studios, Knoxville, Tenn., it was revealed last week. According to the announcement made by S. L. Mitchell, President of Knoxville Scenic Studios, and Mrs. Jane E. Bernier, President of Synthetic Vision, all the necessary plans have now been made and the package is available on order, to all theatres. This proscenium package, which has been installed at the Ames Theatre, features a wide .screen frame and a superstructure which carries a combination stage curtain traveler and automatic formatting. This arrangement, it is claimed, not only provides a selection of four different aspect ratios to which the screen will automatically format at the touch of a button, but also has two buttons which allows the operator to manipu¬ late the formatting and curtain to any other desired position. Therefore, it would be possible, for example, to show a newsreel at a 1.33: 1 aspect ratio, the short subjects at 1.85, and the feature in the full CinemaScope aspect ratio, with each of these changes taking place automatically. Since the curtains are integrated with the black velour formatting, it is said that they always appear properly positioned in relation to the particular screen proportions being used. The structure which supports this prcscenium package, as installed at the Ames, is of aluminum and light steel tube construction and adequately supports the screen, val¬ ances, curtain, automatic formatting, motor drive traveler, track and devices. A control box in the oooth incorporates a selector switch and push button. (Continued on page PT-13) The photograph on the left shows the proscenium of the Ames prior to the installation of the new proscenium package. The photograph on the right is the same theatre after the system was installed. A backstage view of the in¬ stallation at the Ames. The proscenium structure has been placed in front of the old proscenium arch. The structure is made of alum¬ inum and light steel tube. PERfECl CONTRO* ol ^000 watt ring-free UGHT BLOWER-COOLED BANTAM SUPER SPOT No other spotlight gives you the accu¬ rate, pin-point control of light that you get with a GoldE Super-Spot. This twin blowercooled spot is no larger than an ordinary 500 watt spot — yet it delivers a powerful, 1000 watt beam of light wherever you want it . . . easily . . . silently . . . dependably. With a specially designed 4% inch Fresnel heat-resistant lens, it provides an absolutely even beam, free from striation, color fringe, or disturbing filament images. Has smooth PushPull beam control, full universal mounting, and is balanced for easy handling. Locks instantly. Always cool in operation. UL approved. GOLDE BANTAM 500 WATT SUPER-SPOT The ideal spot wher¬ ever a 500 watt, clear white light is needed. Extremely compact in size and rugged in construction, the 500 watt Bantam can be stepped from flood to spot in a moment. Simple to use . . , Simple to clean. Quick tilt control and instant locking. GOLDE BANTAM SUPER-SPOT SNOOT ^ Attaches quickly to 500 and 1000 watt Bantam Super-Spots. Concentrates light, with extremely sharp focus.Has 5 aperture Rotodisc mask. 4M8 N. CLARK ST. MANUFACTURING CO. :iARK ST. CHICAGO 40, ILL. January 5, 1955 PHYSICAL THEATRE DEPARTMENT of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR PT-11