Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1947)

This illustrated folder will acquaint you with The Superior Electric Company's theatre lighting control equipment. WRITE DEPARTMENT B-10 Superior Electric COMPANY BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT For the impression of Complete Remodeling YOU CAN NOW USE BLACK LIGHT DECORATION • Fascinating murals • Dramatic atmospheric effects • Illusion of spaciousness are all easily and inexpensively created with PERMANENT FLUORESCENT PAINTS AND LACQUERS and THEATRICAL BLACK LIGHT EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE NOW! Free Advisory Service Expert layout and design engineering Write today for full details. *WITZER BROTHERS, INC. J 1220 Huron Road • Cleveland 15, Ohio Sfecl xmct> Spmtidtfont> CONCERNING THE . . . how some things can be done and how some things might be done better. THEATRE BUILDING by BEN SCHLANGER Theatre Architect & Consultant COMPARING DOWNLICHTING WITH CONCEALED SOURCES DOWNLIGHTING is being used more and more in theatres, and deservedly so. It is effective for lighting the auditorium as a whole, and is the best means of emphasizing the seating and aisles in the general lighting installation. In foyers and lounges it is excellent because of the manner in which it illuminates the carpeting, which is always a major element, and often the predominant component, of the decorative scheme. Downlighting brings out the colors most vividly. It is inadequate, however, as a source of illumination for the walls, and of course for the ceiling, too. The source is pocketed and the greater portion of the light is directed to the floor. For the requirements of vision, this light is usually enough, but the walls and ceiling cannot participate fully in the creation of a charming atmosphere unless they are additionally illuminated. Architectural forms should be created in the interior treatment for the concealment of sources of light for these surfaces. It is not necessary to illuminate all of the visible surfaces, but only those which enter into the pattern of the design, and the illumination should be taken into consideration in working out the physical forms of this pattern. Fluorescent lamps and today's technique in illumination have greatly extended the choice of color in lighting, but there is likely always to be some limitation of selection. Such a limitation can be overcome, however, by the selection of colors in the surfaces themselves that react with the illumination to give the effect desired. Filament lamps having a reflector molded in as part of the lamp itself, are efficient sources of light for walls and ceilings from concealed locations. These lamps are now manufactured in 50-, 100-, 150 and 300watt sizes, and can be obtained in either floor or spot types. The floodlamp is better for lighting nearby surfaces, the spotlight is more effective when the concealed location is relatively distant from the surface to be illuminated. By combining both types, suitable illumination can be worked into any design. The line sources, such as so-called neon tubing and Slimline lamps, are practicable when the surfaces to be covered are not so far from them that the illumination noticeably diminishes when it reaches the extremities. • PERFORATED DESIGNS AVAILABLE IN METAL AN INTERESTING use of an old material has been made practicable by new methods in manufacture. Sheet steel, or other metals in sheet form, is perforated with a new type of progressive perforating machine that makes it possible to vary greatly the geometric form of the perforations. Use of perforated metals was formerly restricted mostly to ventilating grilles. Now very effective decorative designs can be thus achieved, a perforated material being especially useful when lighting effects form part of the design. This material also proves very useful as a durable finish over soft acoustical backing. The metal can be repainted in the latter case without affecting the acoustical absorption. In audition to the steel perforated sheets, the material can be obtained in plated finishes, which would require no repainting. Some of the perforated patterns obtainable are illustrated above. All platforms, including intermediate level platforms of required exit stairways, should be formed so that the corners farthest from the steps are rounded instead 18 BETTER THEATRES, MAY 31, 1947