The Exhibitor (1966)

Shown at the speaker's rostrum at the first joint Northwest Regional Convention of Theatre Owners of Washington, Oregon, Northern Idaho and Alaska and the National Association of Concessionaires, held at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, Seattle, Wash¬ ington are (I to r): Harry J. Moore, Theatre Con¬ vention Co-Chairman, Seattle; Harold F. Chesler, NAC Director-at-large, Salt Lake City; Vernon B. Ryles, Jr., NAC Program Chairman, Portland; Virgil Odell, NAC Regional Vice President and NAC Convention Co-Chairman, Caldwell, Idaho and Luther Bell, Western Sales Manager, Royal Crown Cola Co., Portland. SOUND FOR SHOPPING CENTER SIZE THEATRES NEW YORK — A highly compact, low cost optical sound system specially designed for shopping center size theatres of 1,500 seats or less is now available from National Theatre Supply Company. Called the Simplex 20, the new system fea¬ tures a plug-in amplifier which combines the best of tube and transistor circuitry: all¬ transistor pre-amplifiers coupled with the latest long-life output stage tubes. The re¬ sult is superb sound performance with maxi¬ mum reliability. The entire system, including amplifier chassis, monitor speakers and non¬ sync circuits, is engineered into a sleek 16/4"x25%" cabinet ideal for convenient front wall mounting between projectors. The Simplex 20’s advanced modem design is specifically geared for fast, easy installation and problem-free operation and maintenance. The complete system is factory wired to sim¬ plify theatre installation. The main switch and all daily-use controls are affixed externally to the cabinet. The amplifier control panel swings open for inspection and servicing without complete disassembly, and all other parts are readily accessible within the cab¬ inet. Printed circuit wiring in the amplifier eliminates cable rupture and insulation faults, and further assures efficient maintenance. The plug-in amplifier, factory tested for quality control, supplies full output power with the volume control at an intermediate setting providing adequate reserve. Continu¬ ously adjustable controls adapt frequency re¬ sponse to theatre acoustics and the frequency response of the recording. One spare plug-in unit supplies 100% reserve. A monitor volume control and a plug for an alternate remote lo¬ cation of the monitor speaker are included in the compact all-in-one cabinet. The exciter lamp power supply is a selfcontained, wall-mounted unit of compact, lightweight design. It switches from normal DC to emergency AC operation instantly. All Simplex 20 systems are equipped with Sim¬ plex 35 soundheads. A selection of Altec Lan¬ sing stage speaker systems is available to sat¬ isfy all theatre dimensions and requirements. Thunderbird Flies In Chi. The Thunderbird Theatre in Hoffman Es¬ tates Illinois, is Chicagoland’s newest, ultra¬ modern motion picture theatre. Grand open¬ ing is scheduled for August. The Thunderbird was designed by Christo¬ pher Chamales and Associates, famous Archi¬ tect and City Planner. Construction costs are in excess of $750,000. The new theatre will have 1200 seats on one floor. It will feature a spacious entrance and a unique courtyardlounge that will change its decor with the sea¬ sons. Paved and lighted free parking for 2,000 cars will surround the Thunderbird. And, for the ultimate in motion picture enjoyment, it is equipped with the latest transistorized 6track stereophonic sound system and a 60-foot screen. This will enable the presentation of all motion picture film processes. The Thunderbird was built by Duncan Kennedy, veteran Chicago theatre executive and former vice-president of Great States Theatres, an affiliate of Balaban & Katz Theatres. Mr. Kennedy also operates the Star View Outdoor Theatre in Elgin. “The Thunderbird will also serve commu¬ nity needs,” said Mr. Kennedy. “It will be made available for PTA Meetings and other civic functions during afternoons when it is not showing movies.” According to Kennedy, the program policy of the Thunderbird is to present the outstanding pictures from all of the major Motion Picture producers. Be thrifty... install genuine Hot-Shot heaters. Eprad Hot-Shots may cost a little extra when you buy them. But you get a lot of extras that mean greater savings in the long run. For example. □ Extra quality like General Electric Calrod™ heating element (no one else uses it) and a special weatherproofed motor. Trouble-free long life means savings. □ Extra performance like keeping customers warmer and coming back. Repeat attendance puts money in your savings account. □ Extra assistance like wiring diagrams, promotion paks and winter operation manuals. These can save and make money for you. □ Extra service like that provided by your Eprad theatre equipment dealer. Among other things, this saves long-distance phone calls. □ About the only extra you don’t get with Hot-Shots is extra mainte¬ nance costs (you get that with cheaper heaters). □ So think twice and be¬ ware of imitators when you buy . . . Install genuine Eprad Hot-Shots . . . the proven heater . . . and save money. SPEAKERS • HEATERS • JUNCTION BOXES CASH CONTROL SYSTEMS • SOUND SYSTEMS Sold Internationally Thru Theatre Supply Dealers incorporated 1214 Cherry Street • Toledo, Ohio 43608 SERVING THE THEATRE INDUSTRY SINCE 1946 August 17, 1966 PHYSICAL THEATRE • EXTRA PROFITS DEPARTMENT of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR PE-17