Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1913)

324 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD The First International Exposition splendid Showing Made by the Various Branches of the Motion Picture Trade and Contributary Interests IT was something of a venture on the part of the promoters of the First International Exposition of Motion Picture Arts when they suggested the project. As has been frequently observed in these columns, conditions in the trade were not favorable to such an undertaking, but that fact did not deter the promoters, the New York City Exhibitors' League. They framed their plans very carefully and toiled with great industry for the ultimate success. Whether conditions of the trade changed to please the promoters of the exposition, or whether it was their energy that overcame adverse conditions, the fact remains that the exposition was a huge success. The big hall of the Grand Central Palace was tastefully laid out, the booths were artistically designed and decorated, giving the exposition a fairyland aspect when illuminated by the thousands of incandescent lights. It would be impossible to publish all the complimentary remarks expressed by visitors, but they were enthusiastic to the last degree, and well they might be, for it seldom happens that a trade exhibit at Grand Central Palace is more comprehensive and attractive than this. A careful review of the displays follows: Cameras for exhibitors are commanding unusual attention. It will not be long before many exhibitors will have their own camera and outfit and add the always interesting local attractions to the run of photoplays. A freight wreck just at the edge of the town, with only a few box cars in the ditch and no one hurt, is a bigger money getter than a thousand feet of some smash-up with a loss of life sufficiently serious to command national attention. Eberhard Schneider has the most elaborate display of cameras and equipment and his booth is made doubly interesting by the showing of many relics of the experimental days, and courteous attendants seem to take as much pleasure in lecturing the relics as in calling attention to the new devices. The Schneider camera is pretty well known to most exhibitors, but he also shows a most compact developing and finishing outfit at a moderate price. There are all sorts of printers and perforators, as well as polishers, but few of the exhibitors will court brain fever trying, to perforate film when the perforated stock is to be had so cheaply. Even if you are not ready to put in a camera yet, the Schneider relics will be found of interest. The booth is close to the main entrance and quickly located. Back toward the west end of the hall the Frese camera, a California product, is located. It is an excellent box with a unique feature in that the film may be run down or up without changing gears. This is not a feature that will interest the exhibitor much, since it is mostly used in dissolves and other trick work, but the camera is mechanically sound and the double swing tripod is a pretty piece of work. The frame makers seem to be given to crowding their space. The Newman Company has so large a stock on hand that it overflows the booth and runs well down the hall. It is lucky for the Newman Company that the adjacent space is not taken, or they would have to hang some of their product out of the windows. The most attractive line is a triple enameled brass frame with tile instead of cardboard letters. A light wiping with a damp cloth is all that be required to keep the frame in bright condition. There are no polishing powders or pastes required and with the most casual care the frames look always as good as new. No matter how carefully they are handled, the cardboard ■letters will get dirty through fingering even when placed behind glass, but the tile letter cannot stay dirty and a damp cloth is all that is needed. A font of 250 letters is supplied with the frame and lost letters may be replaced at seven cents each. Another novelty is a three wing revolving poster stand for the display of six one sheets, with provision for appropriate reading matter above, if desired. A small motor, consuming less current than an incandescent lamp, keeps the posters revolving and supplies the motion that always catches the eye more quickly than a still display. The device is surmounted by a light globe, which can be lettered with the name of the house, and the entire device occupies a space less than five feet square. There are samples of brass rail, posts, elbows and "Ts" galore and many other things in brass for the picture playhouse. The frames are in infinite variety in burnished brass, nickel, oxidized copper and what one of the assistants opulently describes as "gold and gun metal," which is a better description than the official designation. It is a damascened eflfect in brass on a brown lacquer base that is rich and effective, fitting in well with a dark toned lobby or foyer effect. There are frames on easels and others that are self-supporting, that swing from rods, hang on the wall, and it would not be surprising to find that they even have them to nail on the ceiling. The Newman booth is at the east end of the hall back of the main stairway. Menger and Ring, down at the other end of the hall, make a display of wood frames many of which are selfcontained, the back, when the two part frames are closed, serving as a shipping case without further crating. This is a money and labor saver for States rights and feature men generally. The styles range from the plainest molding to carved paneling and display lettering. The Novelty Slide Company is over in the northeast corner of the building and displaj's a line of glass and metal slides in large variety. They have coming slides for all brands, with a space for lettering in the titles and player slides for most of the stars. They make "coming" slides for all features in two or more parts which are sold singly or on standing order, and they show a very complete line of brass announcement and general slides. These are stencil cut and are light and unbreakable. One of their leaders is a brass and glass clock face slide with movable hands which can be set to show the hour. This is to be had in stock only with the clock face and a legend over the top, but they can be altered to carry an announcement as well at a small charge and the clock-announcement slide may presently be put in stock. They also show several fQM TC J. /Mr^ HOUQH JR.. OPTICflf. CO