Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1948)

Planning Lobby And Foyer Areas {Continued from page 28) line up for ever}7 25 seats. This line up space must be out of the line of entrance and exit circulation. The most efficient line up is of U-shape for smaller theatres, and S-shape for larger theatres, the three parallel lines of the S-shape, and the two parallel lines of the U-shape being the longer lines for greatest efficiency. A system of posts and tapes, or low attached panels, can be placed on the floor to outline these shapes for the line up. The tendency of patrons to arrive in time for the beginning of the feature presentation, especially in small towns and neighborhoods, is increasing (maybe television will accelerate this tendency because it is desirable to adjust the theatregoing schedule to the key home television programs!). The ticket office, in any case, should be visible from the street. The counter for candy and drinks should be located at a point where it is reached soon after the ticket has been collected. The space where the patron stands to make such purchases should not be in the line of entrance and exit circulation. In some of the smaller theatres the ticket selling is grouped with the merchandising space so that one person can serve both functions during slow periods. It is important that only one set of doors be used for entrance, and that these doors take the patron automatically past the merchandise counter. To insure this, the entrance doors should be the only ones that have pull handles. The space the patron finds himself in after giving up his ticket would be the foyer. This space sometimes is part of the space immediately behind the last row of seats in the auditorium. This latter arrangement is not desirable, especially where refreshment merchandising is arranged for in the foyer. The auditorium seating area should be closed off from the foyer as much as possible to insure a maximum of quiet for the audience. Where plot and budget permit, a lounge is often placed between foyer and toilet rooms, but actually the function of a lounge as a separate unit is debatable for the average motion picture theatre. It has served more to create an elegant atmosphere and to impress the patron with the importance of the theatre. The amount of furniture that can be placed in the average lounge is negligible. While it does serve as a transition area leading to the toilet room, this function can be easily provided for in the design of the foyer. As to creating "atmosphere" and impressiveness, it is possible to treat the foyer so as to meet this requirement. The patron {Continued on page 45) • A Blower does not clean, but makes cleaning easier. Your theatre is not cleaned by merely blowing dust and dirt into the air to be a menace to public health, to soil the clothes of patrons and to ruin costly equipment. Protect your reputation, your furnishings and your patrons with Super complete cleaning. It Doesn't Clean But It Makes Cleaning Easier Of the amazing tools of the Heavy Duty Specialized Super Theatre Cleaner, the Blower Attachment is one of the most useful. But it should be used only for what it is intended — to solve the problem of handling popcorn boxes, paper, candy wrappers, etc., which accumulate daily under seats. The Blower boosts such debris out into the aisles and down front where it easily can be disposed of. Super Cleaning takes up and removes the dangerous dirt on floors, walls, screen and wherever else it may be. Try a Super and see for yourself what it will do. Ask your supply dealer about the 5 day free trial offer. NATIONAL SUPER SERVICE COMPANY, INC. 1941 N. 13th STREET TOLEDO 2, OHIO NATIONAL SUPER SERVICE COMPANY OF CANADA TORONTO, ONT. VANCOUVER, B. C. from the Janitor Supply House Displaying this emblem I Not only is The NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION Member able to supply everything you may need in sanitary supplies, cleaning equipment, sanitary chemicals, etc., but his knowledge, acquired {zed Sanitation and Mainthrough years of specio/ tenance experience, is at your command and may prove helpful to you in speeding up your cleaning and sanitation program; may help you save time and money. . . . We are sure you will find It both PLEASANT and PROFITABLE to consult a NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION MEMBER about any of your cleaning, maintenance and sanitation problems. NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION (INCORPORATED NOT-FOR-PROFIT) National Headquarters: 139 North Clark Street, Chicago 2. lit. Leo J. Kelly, Executive Vice-President $2.00 POSTPAID The Most Simplified Theatre Bookkeeping System Yet Devised Every exhibitor will appreciate the completeness and convenience of this easy accounting system. Enables you to keep an accurate and up-to-the-minute record of every phase of the business of your theatre. QUICLEY BOOKSHOP ROCKEFELLER CENTER NEW YORK BETTER THEATRES, DECEMBER 18, 1948 35