Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

20 MOVING PICTURE AGE March, 1922 of lantern-slide projection is based on a mat opening 2^4 by 9 inches, while the motion-picture table is based on a mat opening ii by ig inch. PROJECTOR HOUSEKEEPING PROJECTOR housekeeping — somehow or other that term may sound out of place. Yet it certainly conveys the impression that is intended: the importance of keeping the projector in first-class condition, and devoting a certain amount of time at regular and frequent intervals to cleaning up, oiling, and adjusting the delicate mechanism that is the very foundation of any motion-picture exhibition. Owing to the grease and oil so necessary in the lubrication scheme of a motion-picture projector, such a machine soon gets unduly dirty. The grease with which the intermittent movement may be packed, or even the heavy oil that is also used for this purpose, often forces its way through the bearings and gets out on the intermittent sprocket. The grease or oil attracts dust, and sooner or later the dirty grease or oil is found on the films. Furthermore, certain materials in the motion-picture film cause an accumulation of black, hard substance to form between the sprocket teeth, and if this deposit is not removed at frequent intervals it interferes with the running of the projector — not only by making an unduly large amount of noise, but in certain instances by causing the film to climb off the sprocket teeth. Film is delicate. It is readily stained by oil, and is easily scratched by gritty particles that accumulate in the projector as the result of a long stretch of work without a thorough cleaning. And while the film may only be rented, the operator is under a moral obligation to take as good care of the film as though it were his own property. Hence the projector cannot be too frequently cleaned, in order to protect the film. A stiff toothbrush may be used for cleaning the sprocket teeth. The entire film track should be kept free from all dirt accumula tions. The idlers, or rollers, on which the film rests should be examined to see that they turn freely, especially if the emulsion side or dull side of the film is in contact with them. The rollers employed in the magazine openings for fire guards should also be examined to ascertain that they turn freely. If felt or velvet pads are employed as fire guards these should be frequently examined and brushed off to make sure that no particles of dust or film»specks accumulate to scratch the sensitive film emulsion. And then there is the optical system, which must be kept clean if the best screen results are to be maintained. Nothing makes more difference in the screen brilliancy than dirty lenses, condensers, mirrors, and so on. To secure the best results, therefore, the lenses must be kept absolutely clean and should be protected as far as possible from dust and finger marks. A soft, oft-washed linen cloth is the best appliance for cleaning lenses. Do not use any kind of polishing material, alcohol, or other solvent on a lens. To remove finger marks, breathe upon the surface and wripe gently, with a circular movement. A lens should not be exposed to the heat of the sun or steam pipes, and should not be allowed to remain for a long time in a damp place. The condensers can be quickly removed from their mountings, cleaned, and replaced, and care should be exercised to place them in the correct position. The breakage of condensers is due to unequal expansion or contraction caused by sudden extreme changes in temperature. It is obvious, therefore, that they should not be removed from the lantern while heated, or exposed to cold draughts. However, this caution has more to do with machines using arc lamps, where a very considerable amount of heat is developed. If the lantern has been for some time in a cool or damp place, moisture will collect on the lens surfaces when the heat of the arc reaches them. As soon as the parts are uniformly heated, no more moisture will collect. It is well to bear this in mind and see that the lens surfaces are free from moisture before beginning to operate the projector. APPROVED FILMS and THEIR SOURCES New Releases of Travel, Literary, Industrial, Topical, and Comedy Subjects Films for the Church, School, and Club The following list of approved pictures, reviewed, endorsed, and listed by the National Motion Picture League, with executive headquarters in New York City, is published for the purpose of stimulating a greater demand for pictures not only suitable for adults, but wholesome for children of all ages. By the aid of these weekly lists the general public may select a high-class show, schools and churches may arrange suitable programs, and theatre managers may book the better class of pictures. It is very necessary for the operator to make all cuts suggested below, in order that the films may be wholesome for children and young people. These omissions are suggested in order to save otherwise splendid, wholesome pictures from rejection. Pictures not suitable for this list receive no comment. (See addresses of exchanges below) FAMILY FILMS Recommended for Young People and Adults Courage.* Reels, 6. Producer, Sidney Franklin Productions; exchange, First National. Remarks: In part 2, cut scenes of murdered man. In part 5, cut scenes of dead body of suicide. Hero is wrongfully sentenced to penal servitude for life. Planning and inventing through eighteen years, from his cell, he guides his wife in building up an immense business in their steel factory. The courage and devotion of both are finally rewarded by the confession of the truth, resulting in freedom for the hero and the reuniting of the family. Catching the Black Panther.* Reels, 1. Producer, Major Jack Allen; exchange, Pathe. Remarks: Major Tack Allen starts out to catch a black r anther that has been attacking the settlers. He finally lassoes the animal and puts it into a temporary cage — one menace less for the jungle and one specimen more for the zoo. Reels, %. Producer, Fables PicAesop's Fable. Remarks: Moral, The Fox and the Goat.* tures, Inc.; exchange, Pathe. Look before you leap. A Prince There Was.* Reels, 5. Producer, Zukor; exchange, Famous Playcrs-Lasky. Remarks: Thomas Meighan. Geor.ge M. Cohan's play by the same name taken from the story "Enchanted Hearts." Cut visions of suicide in part 1. Wealthy young man, through the interception of a little board ing-house drudge, discovers a young girl courageously trying to earn her living by the sale of her stories. The young man qualifies as a prince, which name the admiring little girl has given him, and buys the magazine in order that the girl's stories may be published. The Bonnie Brier Brush.* Reels, S. Producer, Donald Crisp; exchange, Famous Players-Lasky. Remarks: Picturization of Jan McClaren's story by the same name. Cut all scenes of man drinking in part 2. A story of Scotch life and customs, in which the lives of two young couples are almost ruined (Continued on page 26) Exchanges Mentioned in This List How to Obtain Any Film Mentioned The list gives the exchange distributing the film. Write to the address of the main office given below or look up your nearest distributing office of that concern in "1001 Films," Moving Picture Age's non-theatrical film directory, which every subscriber has, pages 12 to 19, inclusive. Whenever street address is not given, inquiry should be made of the National Motion Picture League, 2173 Broadway, New York City. First National 728 Seventh Avenue, New York City Pathe Exchange, Inc. 35 W. 45th Street, New York City Famous Players-Lasky Corp. 485 Fifth Avenue, New York City Fox Film Corp. 55th Street and Tenth Avenue, New York City Educational Film Corp. of Amer. 729 Seventh Avenue, New York City United Artists 729 Seventh Avenue, New York City Warner Bros. 1600 Broadway, New York City Sunset-Burrud Polychrome Universal Film Exchange, Inc. 1600 Broadway, New York City Realart 469 Fifth Avenue, New York City Richard Talmadge Robertson-Cole Distributing Corp. 1600 Broadway, New York City Metro 729 Seventh Avenue, New York City National Non-Theatrical Motion Pictures, Inc. 232 W. 38th Street, New York City Windsor McCay Pat Sullivan Community Motion Picture Service 46 W. 24th Street, New York City Douglas Fairbanks Picture Corp. 5320 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, Calif. Merit Film Corp. 130 W. 46th Street. New York City New Era Films, Inc. 804 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago National Exchanges, Inc. 398 Fifth Avenue, New York City International Church Film Corp. 920 Broadway, New Yo'rk City