Motion Picture News (Apr-Jul 1915)

Construction, Equipment and Operation Section of Motion Picture News Everything for the Modern Picture Theatre BUFFALO'S NEWEST THEATRE, THE PALACE BUFFALO'S newest and most modern photoplay theatre, the Palace, is now open and has already taken its place as one of the most popular houses in the city. The theatre is owned by the Mitchel H. Mark Realty Company, owners of the Strand, New York, and many other large theatres in different parts of the country. It was erected at a cost exceeding $150,000 and represents the last word in theatre construction. The Palace is the Buffalo home of Paramount productions, which is showing these photo-plays in conjunction with the Strand. The Buffalo offices of the Mark-Brock theatrical enterprises are established in the building. Harold Edel, who has brought the Strand to its present stage of popularity, is also directing the policies of the Palace, with William Rosenthal in charge as house manager. The Palace has a seating capacity of 1.200, features an eight-piece orchestra of exceptional quality, with Ivan Shapiro, former first violinist of the St. Louis Symphony orchestra, as conductor. A $10,000 Austin pipe organ is another pleasing feature, as it is one of the largest in the city and played by Ruby Belle Nason, one of Buffalo's most talented organists. The Palace is of modern style in architecture, being designed by C. Howard Crane. It is constructed of white terra cotta with yellow trimmings. The lobby is lined with rich, beautifully colored streaked marble surmounted by borders of exquisite gold decorations. The ceiling is decorated by several mural paintings. The theatre proper opens from the end of the long lobby, and a burst of beauty opens before the eye as one enters. No Stairs in the Building The seats are upholstered in heavy lcafher much the same as automobile seats. The walls are decorated in gold and yellow. Indirect lighting system is employed and the latest ventilating methods used to keep the house light and full of pure air at all times. A novel feature of the house is the doing away with all stairs. The lobby is reached by a long gradual approach from the front of the lobby, and the different parts of the lobby are also reached bv this method. EXTERIOR, PALACE THEATRE Eight boxes are installed, four each side of the stage, elaborately decorated and hung with rich tapestries. The screen is set back on a stage set to represent an Italian garden, in the midst of which the orchestra is located. Ladies' and gentlemen's rest rooms are located at the rear of the house, completely equipped with all luxuries. The electrical fixtures throughout the theatre are of unique design and most FRONT AND REAR ELEVATIONS. PALACE THEATRE. BUFFALO. N. T. attractive. The projection booth is equipped with all modern inventions that will help to make the projection perfect. Baird machines are used. Surmounting the top of the front of the theatre is a large clock, one of the most appreciated features. At night the clock is brilliantly lighted and the hours rung on chimes. Below the theatre is a complete heating system, and the large vaults used by the Mark company. (Continued on /><!£<• 1J5.) Grauman Sells Imperial to Eastern Syndicate KAUMAN'S Imperial, San Francisco, has been sold by D. J. >J Grauman to an Eastern syndicate, headed by I. De Jongh. The new syndicate will make improvements in the playhouse which, however, will not necessitate the closing of the theatre. The eastern syndicate plans to purchase two other theatres in San Francisco. One of the policies of the new combine to be introduced will be "pop" matinees. Already a large number of picture plays with prominent stars have been booked, it is claimed. Grauman says that his retirement from the Imperial is due partially to other projects which he has under way, one of which includes the building of a large theatre on the lot situated at the southwest comer of Eddy and Mason streets.