Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

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May, 1911. MOTOGRAPHY 101 Uses of the Mercury Arc Rectifier -By C. K. Larson IN the beginning of motion pictures the real people went to see the photopeople move, and movement was the principal, if not the only drawing card. This condition was only short lived, however, for the novelty of movement soon wore off and pictures having greater dramatic interest were required to maintain the popularity of photoplay houses. Naturally, these were forthcoming. Instead of one or two film makers working within narrow ns from the reels being supplemented by illustrated limits, a wider field was quickly exploited by several first-class manufacturers. Soon the varied idents of history and romance became the scenes of every day, and truth lost its fabled strangeness over fiction under the projectors of the motion picture lamps. As a matter of course, better and more impressive pictures required more perfect illumination. Eyes made weary by dim, flickering light, detracted from comfort and appreciation. Consequently, calcium, oxyhydrogen and other gas lamps had to go. Even the three, four or five-thousand candle power of the alternating-current arc was found inadequate and the mercury arc rectifier converting alternating-current into eight, ten and twelve thousand candle power direct-current arcs now flood the marvellous films with that restful, steady white light, which makes the electrical motion picture show so attractive and satisfying. This is not all, however. In the effort to go their competitors one better, enterprising photoplay house managers have discovered that there are other devices, which by adding to the convenience and comfort of their patrons, are valuable for holding the patron Photograph of the Art Theater Entrance by the Light of the Mercury Arc Rectifier. The Art Theater Entrance. Photograph by Daylight. age attracted by striking signs and seductive advertisements. An interesting example of enterprise in this direction is afforded by the Art Theater, State street, Schenectady, N. Y. This is a straight photoplay house, the producsongs accompanied on the piano. It seats about 300; has a throw of about 50 feet ; and displays a 9 by 12foot picture, giving approximately life-size objects. The interior is equipped with green-shaded electric lamps, producing a modified light effect, which, while sufficient to enable those entering' from the bright light outside to readily find vacant seats, does not interfere with the light value of the pictures. In fact, electricity has been utilized to full advantage wherever possible. Changeable illuminated announcers on the dark parts of the screen at the sides of the picture indicate the title or subject on the program being run at the time, thus giving information readily appreciated by late comers or those entering in the middle of an act. Electric fans cool and ventilate, and an electric cigar lighter in the exit renders matches surperfluous. The pictures are illuminated by the steady, white light of the direct-current arc, operated by rectified current furnished by one of the General Electric Company's mercury arc retifiers, connected to the alternating current supply circuit. The rectifier, enclosed in a neat glass case, is located at the entrance, directly opposite the ticket booth, where it can be seen by the passers-by. The sign attached to the case and reading "Part of our electrical equipment that helps to make perfect moving pictures," is of unique significance. When the apparatus is in operation the beautiful blue-green light radiating from the rectifier tube