Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1927)

December io, 1927 AND P IT makes it possible to stage the entire show in one setting. The unit idea makes possible a reduction in the number of scenery changes over the straight bill. The setting herewith, figures 1 and 2, is suitable for Night Club, for the afterpiece of the unit show, or for the flash act, especially if the band is featured. THE SETTING. A platform, on which the band is stationed, is set in the eye, d, leaving ample room in front for big turns such as ensemble or chorus. In order to leave this , space as open as possible the “di'ess” has been limited to two huge lanterns, f, suspended from the loft, and the decorative baskets flanking the steps. Draped entrances, ee, right and left. The platform suggests a terrace with balustrade, c, in which two lamp posts are set. The skyline B, is silhouetted against the sky. This setting is very simple and easy to get up. The balustrade and skyline are cut from wall board. The first is painted white and shaded in medium blue and grey. The skyline is black with windows cut out and illuminated. The water, 'painted a dark blue, has slits cut for moon reflections. | The ball fixtures for the lamp posts can perhaps be borrowed from an Electric Shop. NOVEL WAYS OF EXTENDING NEW YEAR’S GREETING— A FEATUREIN ITSELF. One of the following novel ways' of extending the New Year’s good wishes to attending patrons could be interpolated whether the show is night club, unit or vaude bill. Let the band strike up with “Auld Lang Syne” a minute or two before twelve. On the stroke of twelve the airship, Figure 3, sails slowly across the sky in back of the eye. The bag is cut from wall board and braced on the back with battens. The letters could be studed with electric bulbs or cut out and illuminated from the back. Suspend the gondola, a basket or box covered with muslin and appropriately decorated, from the bag, and hang the dirigible on wires from overhead wire track. Paint the suspension wires blue and they will be invisible against the blue sky. “Borrow” a youngster toiride in the gondola. ANOTHER idea is shown in figure 5. This is a huge clock made of wall board and mounted on a solid base equipped with casters, Fig. 5 and 6. The clock dial is set a few inches in front of the case, indicated by projections, fig. 6, leaving ample space in back of dial for impersonators of father 67 L If III P'°/eciioa P/o/ecPfon r r,/,6 Jnn</ — _ Cjs/t/S C7fec*/W /%&2r*r time and the new year. Two girls are, posed as ornaments on the front of the clock. The clock dial is paper and the hands are made of wall board. The hour hand is stationary and the minute hand, set on a few minutes before twelve, made to be moved. This is accomplished by attaching the hands to a small wall board disk held in position by means of strings made fast to the frame work as indicated by dotted lines, fig. 5. The strings should be light enough to break when pressure is exerted. The Action: About five minutes before twelve o’clock black out just long enough to shove the clock, characters already in positions, out on the stage. This should not take over a minute. Lights up. Father Time, behind the clock dial, moves the minute hands at one minute intervals while the band is playing “Auld Lang Syne.” The clock strikes twelve. (Chimes off stage). The words HAPPY NEW YEAR appear on the sky, projected from rear of stage or from projection room. On the last stroke of the bell Father1 Time breaks through the clock dial with the new year, the smallest tot who can be secured and coached to do the part, in hot pursuit. Music suggested for this action “Hail, hail, the gang’s all here,” segue to hot popular number for dance routine by girls of the clock. THEN THERE IS THE ADVERTISING. Plan your advertising early and begin the actual publicity well in advance of the show. Figure 4 offers a suggestion for a window card which may be printed, “processed” or stenciled with airbrush according to the number of cards required. “Process” work is not difficult, and it is economical in that a helper or apprentice can run out the advertising after the screens are made. Where tacking is permitted, process cards, done in oil colors, can be used outside as well as in windows. Splendid effects are obtainable with two or three colors, and by blocking out with paper it is often possible to work several colors from the same screen. A similar design could be used for newspaper teasers, slides, banners, posters, etc. It is a good idea to have special tickets printed for the Frolic. Advertise the advance sale and that only as many tickets as there are seats in your house will be sold. Create the impression that seats will be difficult to secure later. A large advance sale will relieve the last moment rush on the box office. DON’T OVERLOOK BALLOONS AND OTHER NOVELTIES. A liberal quantity of serpentine, paper hats and other novelties should be distributed among the patrons of the midnight show. These novelties are inexpensive and help wonderfully in creating atmosphere. NEXT WEEK: FILLERS, COMEDY STUNTS, NOVEL USE OF BALLONS and other suggestions for the success of the MIDNIGHT SHOW. I ~