Motion Picture News (Jan-Mar 1918)

10 Riv oli Section WHEN the Rivoli theatre was promised to the motion picture public of New York as a house even finer than the Rialto there was doubt. The Rialto has gone so far in fulfilling every desire, in the perfection of pictures, in the combination of music and lighting and song that it was extremely difficult to imagine going a step further. Yet such was the confidence in Mr. Rothapfel that on the nigth of the opening, though it was strictly an invitation affair, hundreds stood on the sidewalk hoping against hope that they would be able to get a ticket from some friend or purchase admission from a speculator. Is was an admission, after all, that they had faith in the creator of the house — " The Triumph of the Motion Picture." This splendid house, with its 2,500 seats, could not be expected to supply any vast amount of novelties beyond the Rialto, yet it does afford great facilities for the presentation of the picture and the music, both vocal and instrumental, greater comfort of the patrons, if that were possible, and even greater luxuriousness. It is a theatre that grows on the visitor— a house so vast that one has to become familiar with the various details to realize to what extent the construction progress has gone. Many Novel Features From an architectural point of view, the Rivoli offers a number of novel features which will be of interest to theatre builders and to the playgoing public in general. Certainly nothing in the way of architecture has ever called forth more admiring comments from the crowds along Broadway than the classic facade which fronts on that restless thoroughfare. Viewed from that site, it suggests an art museum or public library rather than a theatre, and unquestionably it already has taken rank as the handsomest theatrical edifice in the city. The fagade is constructed of an extremely light colored stone, so light that when illuminated at night by the indirect lighting system it will have the effect of white marble. There are no electric signs on the building above those used on the marquee to announce current attractions. Searchlights and arcs are disposed in such a way as to throw the severe outlines of the building into bold relief and render it the most conspicuous structure within many blocks on nights lights are allowed. The most striking feature of the fagade is its row of eight lowering Doric columns. These extend from a point above the level of the marquee clear up to the entablature, with nothing to relieve their severity save the leaded glass windows set into the wall behind them. Crowning the entire fagade is the broad triangular pediment, adorned with sculptured figures in deep bas-relief, which suggest those of the world-famed Parthenon at Athens. These figures are symbolical of music and the arts in general, as befits the nature of the entertainment offered. There is an Egyptian note to the slanting lines which frame the main entrance to the theatre, but otherwise the scheme is pure Grecian. Credit for the architecture of the building goes to Thomas W. Lamb. Coming to the interior construction of the Rivoli, the most novel and interesting feature is found in the elaborate precautions which have been taken to insure the expeditious handling of large crowds. Taking advantages of the fact that the building extends through the block from Broadway to Seventh avenue, the architect designed a series of superimposed passageways of generous width which parallel the auditorium on both sides and run straight through the structure from front to rear. Not only are the orchestra and mezzanine floors cared for in this manner, but each cross-aisle of the balcony has its own corridor as well, so that patrons in any part of the house will find themselves but a few steps from a doorway at which they can turn either to right or to left and pass directly to the street most convenient to them, without interference from incoming crowds. This system of entrances and exits bears a marked resemblance (Continued on page 12) An Exhibitor like S. L. ROTHAPFEL demands SERVICE and PRICE That is why he buys Equipment and Accessories from the Independent Movie Supply Co. for the RIVOLI and RIALTO / / This same service and attention is given to all our customers / regardless of the size of their order. Hundreds of bargains / ^, issued every week. Hundreds of wise exhibitors saving '^.^ o*. money by dealing with us, and getting real service, the goods y i'd^ 'S^t^" they want when they want it, at a lower price. Expert projection service. Let us have your name for our regular / ^X'^^/y letter on supply bargams. Fill out Coupon -- Let us get acquainted /J^^^.A^^ 5** INDEPENDENT MOVIE SUPPLY CO. 729 Seventh Avenue, New York City / ^ Phones Bryant n36-1137 Sixth Floor / v'V / y J" / ^^-^ .V*":