Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1947)

INSPECTION REMINDER— GUIDE The Theatre Building CEMENT FLOORS In checking the condition of the floor, remember that the expansion or shrinkage joints should be well defined and of proper uniform width from wall to wall. Where trouble is experienced at these expansion joints, a larger portion of the old concrete than is broken or fractured should be removed, the fill underneath be tamped solid, and a strong mixture of new concrete is poured. 2— WOOD FLOORS When the flooring or joints are rotted, continuously damp, the fiil underneath should be made moistureproof by stopping the source of water penetration and filling in with cinders. Where the flooring has sagged, new joists should be installed, if need be, or the joists be blocked up solidly with the fill underneath. 3— WALLS, MASONRY Where cracks or fractures are found in the walls — due, as in most cases, to the settling of the building — the holes should be cleaned out, wetted and then fillec in solidly with a mixture of one part cement and one part clean, fine sand. Where there is moisture penetration through the walls, especially at the chair rail area, which is nearest to the outside grade or ground line, the area affected should be properly treated with mastic asphalt, with no untreated seams. Where there is moisture penetration in back of a tile wainscoting, patented waterproof cement can be applied, with the defective area covered at least* 2 feet beyond all around. This cement should be applied very carefully for lasting results. Where a white powdery crust appears on the outside walls (exposed to the weather), hot paraffin can be applied to overcome this condition — or some reliable patented waterproofing mixture. 4 — STANDEE RAILS When the standee rail is constructed of hollow tie or terra cotta with a good plastic finish, there is very little attention and care required except for occasional touching-up of the marred surfaces. Wood-frame rails, however, need thorough checking for structural defects. 5 — PLASTERING Stains appearing on the surface of the plaster can be caused by leaks from the roof or through the walls. AH leaks should be repaired immediately. 6 — PAINTING Nearly all paint work deteriorates very rapidly with age. The main causes are dust in the air, extreme humidity, water penetration through leaks in the walls or roof, and chemical stains from the walls and plaster. Every one of these faults should be remedied, if present, in order to have a lasting paint job. 7 — STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Periodic checkups should be made of steel members supporting the gridiron over the stage, of all skylights, iron beams under the balcony, roof trusses, beams and girders. Any rust spots and scale should be removed by using a stiff-wire brush; thick and firmly stuck rust or scale can be removed with a hammer and chisel. However, care should be taken that the chisel cuts off only the rust without being allowed to dig into the steel. The turnbuckles, hanger rods, struts, gusset plates and bolts on the marquee should be also checked for rust or scale and general weakness. Every bolt and nut should be tested with a heavy wrench for holding strength. Any leakage of water will quicky rust the threads, and the constant minute vibration present in the structural members can loosen up the nuts, Periodic checkup should be made of the wires, pulleys, winches, etc., that hold in place and operate chandeliers and special displays or lights. (■X 8 — FIRE ESCAPES Practically the same checkup and maintenance should be accorded all fire escapes as suggested in Items 6 and 7. In addition, these structures should be tested regularly to see if the hinges or pivot joints, treads and support angles are in good working order. 9 — CEILINGS When defects are noticed in the ceiling, the trouble may be: (I) There are roof leaks present. (2) The wood or steel trusses are defective or have deteriorated because of the excessive loads. (3) Some ceiling hangers are broken or are loosened. (4) The lathing is not properly latched to the plaster or is of the wrong type and size. (5) Materials are stored on the ceiling, adding to the dead load, or the composition of these materials is straining the ceiling. 10 — ROOFING Check metal flashing and coping for rust and leakage, gutters and leaders for rust and rubbish, insulation for punctured spots and looseness. Also examine skylight, if any, for leakage. (NEXT MONTH: PLUMBING) H Telling the Candy Girl Marie Frye, head of the candy and popcorn division of A. H. Blank's Tri-Sfafes and Central States circuits in Iowa (the miss in fhe picture above is NOT she), has written a manual for the guidance of her refreshment bar attendants, and if seems a modef for such instruction, in sense and in diplomacy. Here is how she has advised them. girls — the spotlight is on you! You have been chosen to fill an important job for us. You are working in the most conspicuous spot in our theatre. Yes, that's right! Our candy and popcorn counters are so located that everyone coming to the show must pass directly by them ; and they are so brightly lighted that you could not (even if you wished to do so) cover up careless grooming, a dirty popcorn machine, a slipshod display of candy. You are going to meet thousands of people on this job, you are going to make many friends. You have a very interesting job, and you are working for a company that offers you many advantages and an opportunity for advancement. Don't be careless of your duty and your responsibilities for a single day — or even for a single minute. In that minute you may have lost, or gained, the opportunity of a lifetime to make the proper impression on a very important person. You have been chosen for this job because we think you have the proper appearance, the ambition and the intelligence to handle it. . . . Personal Appearance — and give yourself 10 points for each satisfactory answer. Needless to say, 100 is a good score! 1. Is your hair neatly combed and dressed in a becoming but not exaggerated style? Unless it is combed in an "up" style, you should wear an invisible net. 2. Are your hands clean, your nails nicely BETTER THEATRES, MAY 31, 1947