Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

778 The Accuracy of Projection Apparatus An article that recently appeared in the educational section of a western newspaper reads: “ Increased use of motion pictures in the educational field is reported from many sections of the United States but the increase would be even more rapid if better projection could be obtained, according to the statements of many men prominent in educational circles. Especially is this statement emphasized in the scientific field, where the motion picture is a peculiarly apt medium for depicting studies in plant and animal life, chemistry and physics. “ The great problem to be met in adapting the film to the educational field line of ivork,” says a report from an eastern college professor, “ is that of projection. In scientific work, accuracy is essential, and the film will become better suited to the needs of education when means are found for correcting distortion and improving still further on illumination and projection.” However, does it not seem remarkable the accuracy with which our standard projection apparatus is made? A picture when seen on the screen with a linear dimensions of 16 ft. presents a magnification of 256 times a linear dimension of the film. Thus is any part of the mechanism controlling the movement of the film should permit the film a loose motion of even so much as four one thousandths of an inch, the projected picture would jump more than an inch on the screen. This would be considered impossible projection. A variation in the sprocket holes in the film would produce the same result. The large standard projection machine has been developed to a high degree of accuracy and efficiency and is a commendable example of mechanical engineering. The small projectors used in the schools, homes, etc., are sadly lacking in the fine points of the standard machines. The projector of to-day is not perfection in itself and improvements are to be expected. Nevertheless, if the proper installation and care of operation is given the apparatus, the projector itself can hardly be considered as a detriment to the growth of visual education. American theatre recently remodeled at a cost of $150,000 Salt Lake House Is Redecorated The American Theatre of Salt Lake City, Utah, owned by the Swanson Theatre Co., has literally followed the injunction, “ give work to the people when hard times are on the land,” and they have expended upward of $150,000 in remodeling and redecorating their immense theatre during this fall and winter. The building was already one of the finest in the west, with seating capacity of 3,000, the auditorium being ninety by one hundred thirty feet, with large stage, the finest organ in the west (excepting the Big Mormon tabernacle organ), and an ample balcony. The pictures accompanying this article show the changes made in the front of the building, but do not tell even a small percentage of the improvements made. The vestibule has been wainscoted in marble, and has a new onyx ticket booth ; the lobby and foyer have been redecorated and indirect lighting installed, elegantly furnished with lounges, and trimmed with palms and flowers. All the 130 feet of vestibule, lobby and foyer has been lavishly handled and are beautifully new. The promenade, with its ninety feet of gentle curves, ornate with pilastered panels, has been completely covered with murals, painted by the best artists in the west: Paintings of Zions Canyon, Royal Gorge, City Creek Canyon, Sunset on the great Salt Lake, Castle in Spain, scenes of Bird Island in the Great Salt Lake, with gulls and cranes, at great expense, and not yet completed. The added attractions are the immense ballroom on the second floor (over the vestibule and lobby) 60 by a 165 feet, decorated in the highest manner, a place of entertainment which can only be described by superlatives. The basement, of the same size, will contain a complete billiard and pool room, with smoking and lounging rooms for the men, including barber shop. When finished the American will be the amusement center of Salt Lake City. H. F. Jans Leases New Rivoli It has been announced that Herman F. Jans, proprietor of the Goodwin Theatre, Newark, and interested in numerous other motion picture enterprises of note, has leased the new Rivoli Theatre which was recently completed and run for some time by Aaron Shusterman at New Brunswick, N. J. The Rivoli is one of the finest play houses in the state, and Mr. Shusterman feels very much gratified in being able to lease this magnificent motion picture palace to a man of Mr. Jans’ standing and ability as a showman. Mr. Shusterman, who has been identified prominently in New Brunswick as the owner of the Strand and Empire Theatres as well as the Rivoli, feels compelled to take a much needed rest, which is his reason for leasing this new theatre. Mr. Jans announces that he will change the policy of the house, cutting out the vaudeville and catering to the insistent demand for the latest and best feature pictures at popular prices. He feels that he is well-equipped to Motion Picture Newt ' j cater to his patrons, as the Rivoli has a capai ity of 2,000, and he will thus be able to mak prices within the reach of all. Simplex Distributors Bus' The Dwyer Bros. & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohic report the installation of a battery of Simple: Projectors in the new 1,800-seat State Theatr which was recently opened in Columbus, Ohic Word also comes from the Chicago office o the Exhibitors’ Supply Company, Inc., of th installation of Simplex Incandescent equipment spotlights and a Minusa Screen in the nei Family Theatre, Frankfort Heights, 111. B. F. Porter, the well known distributor o Simplex Projectors in and around New Yori City, announces the installation of two Typ 1 “S” Simplex Projectors in the new 1,200-sea I Ronson Theatre, Newark, N. J. The nev I Superba Theatre of the same city was als ' recently equipped, as well as the Globe am Victoria Theatres, by the above distributor. The Western Theatre Equipment Compan; j of Seattle, Wash., advise that they have secure' the order for the complete equipment, includ ing Simplex Projectors, which will be installed in the Rialto Theatre, Wenatchee, Wash., whicl is now being erected by the Pacific Coas Theatres, Inc. The Sherman Theatre, St. Cloud, Minn which is said by many to be one of the fines., motion picture theatres in central Minnesota1' was Simplex equipped by the Teco Productpi Mfg. Company of Minneapolis. The beautiful and spacious reception hall o ' the American theatre. Salt Lake City 1 Theatres Auctioned The Ideal and Broadway moving pictur iJ theatres, Columbia, S. C., have been sold a , auction to satisfy a mortgage given by th ' Palmetto Enterprises to the Capitol Theatre Company. The two houses, valued at abouf, $40,000, were bid in by the holders of the mort gages for the nominal sum of $2,750. Thes theatres thus revert back to the company whicl p formerly operated them. Both houses will be reopened, it is announce by George C. Warner, head of the Capitc Theatres Company, who will have genera direction over the theatres. The Ideal will b under the active management of Captain am Mrs. Jack Bell, who have been with the theatr in this capacity for several years. The Broad way, Mr. Warner announced, will be closed fo several weeks to permit numerous alteration and improvements. — KEENEY. Better be safe than sorry; for that rea son at least once a month make a carefu ; inspection of your theatre for rags, litte and oddiments stuffed in corners, back o radiators, and in other places that perhap spell danger if neglected.