Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

May, 1911. MOTOGRAPHY Spectra Effects with the Bioscope By Theodore Brown* BY combining the kinematograph with certain optical appliances a new field of operation is opened to the showman whereby he may produce sensational effects hitherto unknown. Prior to the inception of the kinematograph, many clever and exceedingly popular spectral effects were produced at the Royal Polytechnic Institute, London. In these times, however, such exhibitions would stand very little chance of commercial success in competition with the now popular living picture show, but with a combination of some of the apparatus then used with the limitless facilities offered by kinematographic science it is possible to produce effects of a marvelous character completely illusionistic and very entertaining. The accompanying illustration will suffice to indicate one way in which well known optical principles are utilized in a distinctly novel manner. Instead of employing an actual living subject as the original of the spectre image (as was the custom in the case of such illusions as Pepper's Ghost), the spectre image gains its origin from photographic film pictures such as prepared for ordinary kinematograph purposes. While the subject matter emanates from a kinematograph, spectators in the auditorium are quite unaware of the fact, and herein lies the peculiar merit of the contrivance. The source of light from a kinematograph used in the ordinary way may be traced back to the operator's box, by the obvious streaks of light coming therefrom ; but with the present arrangements, such rays are arrested before they reach the point at which they are observed by an intervening screen, B. Hence the mystery of the exhibition is established. Further, the aerial image may be made to evolve from one subject to another, while the solid and real objects on the stage appropriate their movements to the nature of the spectra with which they are intended to associate. In other words, instead of having the usual kinematograph projection upon a sheet or screen, the projections take the form of aerialgraphs or floating images, in which all the changes possible to kinematograph film pictures may be utilized. Before making suggestions as to. the kind of acts most suitable for treatment with the combination, it may be as well to specify the necessary appliances for *In the Kinematograph & Lantern Weekly. this form of exhibition. An ordinary kinematograph is situated under the stage, as indicated in the illustration. In front of, and at a suitable distance from the kinematograph, a mirror, C, is placed, having fittings that allow of adjustments as regards the angle of the mirror in relation to the optical center of the kinematograph. This mirror is necessarily one with its reflecting surface uppermost and on the upper surface of the glass. A mirror of this nature is essential in order that reflections therefrom do not suffer from a point of definition. The approximate angle of the mirror being 45 degrees in relation to the optical center of the kinematograph, the light therefrom is diverted from its horizontal course into a vertical direction, and is then received on the under side of the semi-transparent plate or screen situated at B. A sheet of clear plate glass, A, rests with one end upon the stage and with its opposite end inclined towards the audience, at an angle of about 45 degrees. A picture is thrown upon the screen, B. by reflection from the mirror, C, and sharply focussed thereon, when it will at once be visible to the audience, in the vicinity of the real actors upon the stage. The illumination of the stage upon which the plot is to be enacted should be so adjusted that the actors are distinctly visible, yet not overlighted. In fact, equal illumination or brilliancy of actors and spectre should be aimed at to produce the most satisfactory results. The right balance of light in the auditorium, on the stage, and in the spectre image will be ascertained by experiment. If proper precautions are taken in this respect, the audience will be totally unaware that a kinematograph is in use, and they wilj not detect the presence of the sheet of plate glass at A. So much for the arrangement of apparatus. Let us now consider what subjects are likely to lend themselves best for treatment with these novel appliances. It is more than probable that senior members of the trade will associate the apparatus above described with that used in some of the exhibitions given years ago at the old Polytechnic Institute, when Professor Pepper and Mr. Walker's productions were all the rage, when the public were being mystified with the ghost in Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol," and when many were puzzled to know how "Asmosdeus," or the "Bottle Imp," could be produced. A closer consideration, however, will show that although similar Apparatus Arrangement for Spectral Effects