Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1911)

53^ THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD Projection Department Edited by F. H. RICHARDSON How About It? — A letter signed "San Francisco Operators," written on stationery of Motion Picture Operators' Union No. 162, reads as follows: "Concerning the sketch of operating room, by Mr. Cristiani, Washington, D. C. (P. 206, July 29 issue), there has. been animated discussion in this office as to probable use of the umbrella, shown in one corner of the room, or, in this case, house would probably be the proper term. It has been suggested that, inasmuch as the umbrella is shown installed close to the fire extinguisher, it is to keep water off the operator when the latter is used. In your opinion, is the use of an umbrella advisable in case of rainy films? Please ask Mr. Cristiani to set us right in this matter, thus relieving the intense anxiety and suspense which hangs over us like a pall. As we write, a new suggestion has been made, viz., that the complexion protector is used to catch the smoke from any fire which might occur." As to the advisability of using an umbrella in case of rainy film, I would not approve of it. A club would be more effective, same to be administered in allopathic doses to the man supplying the film. I have seen some film in which a circus tent would be required to protect the actors. Possibly Brother Cristiani uses the parasol to protect himself from the flow of language emanating from the manager, when things go wrong. Maybe he opens and shuts it rapidly in lieu of a fan or uses it the same way in starting the fire in the arc lamp. It is also permissible to suppose the roof leaks. We might assume it is used in conducting his best girl home after the show on rainy nights, or that it is hoisted as a protection to the audience during inclement weather. Personally, I am inclined to the opinion that the artist forgot it was there until the picture was done and then left it to show the admiring world that Washington operators' salaries are such that he is able to own one. But, after all, we can merely conjecture. May I add my pleas to that of San Francisco that Neighbor Cristiani come forward promptly and relieve this terrible uncertainty? Excellent Management. — In Bath Beach, Brooklyn, is a theatre manager deserving of more than passing notice. Mr. A. Michelson, who manages the Plaza Theatre and airdome, is the man. As manager he surely is the real thing. Mr. Michelson knows good projection when he sees it. He demands it, too. The operator who is able to satisfy him is entitled to print on his cards the legend, "Capable and Careful Operator." There are those who call Mr. Michelson a "crank." He is nothing of the sort. He merely knows good projection when he sees it, and proposes to have it. He is having plans prepared and intends constructing a summerwinter theatre, seating 1,000, along the lines suggested by the editor of this department on page 122, July 22 issue. Mr. Michelson is a successful manager, but has earned his success by working hard and along intelligent lines. Curtain Coating. — Lakewood, N. J., writes: "We tried the formula for curtain coating supplied by California, page 1311, June 10 issue, and like the screen better than the silverine screen, as it is brighter. However, we find that the seams where the cloth is sewed together show like railroad tracks. They ofttimes come right down through one of the characters and literally cut them in two. The screen seems more bright and silvery in one spot in the center. Can you suggest anything to cover up the seams? Of these there are five." I cannot. Let it be clearly understood that the formulas we have printed in no sense have the indorsement of this department. We have published them merely as letters from subscribrs. without personally knowing anything concerning their value. 1 believe this has been clearly understood by all. If the seam shows, that settles it. I think. While it is possible, the coating of a screen with aluminum so as to give good results is an extremely difficult matter. There are some screens on the market from which excellent reports have come (see letter from Chicago in another place). The editor has not examined them, however, and he has never yet given aything his personal recommendation without having first-hand knowledge concerning it. If the manufacturers of the patent screens see fit to send samples of their product, or so arrange that I may see their screen in practical use. well and good. Otherwise I cannot recommend their product. When recipes are published in this department it means that you may try them if you wish, but entirely as an experiment, at your own risk. It must be understood that, while one man may be pleased with a curtain coating, it does not necessarily mean that it does not contain faults. In view of the fact that there is so very much uncertainty regarding curtain coating formulas, we have decided to not publish any more of them. We are further inclined to this course by reason of the fact that there now appears to be, if reports are to be relied upon, some really excellent screens on the market. You, friends, who have submitted formulas need not rush to the defense of your recipes. No doubt you believe them most excellent. Possibly they are, too. in your hands. It does not follow, however, that they will be in the hands of someone else. We have carefully considered this matter and have come to the conclusion that publication of curtain formulas does as much or more harm than good. Book Wanted. — Brooklyn, N. Y., writes: "Wpuld you kindly advise me as to some good work on electricity to study, prior to taking examination for license?" Sorry, Brooklyn, but I know of no such book, unless it be one of the text-books of the International Correspondence School, and they are pretty difficult to get hold of unless you are a student of the school. The information on electricity necessary to the operator is scattered through many books. The editor of this department has purchased an entire book on electricity to get the matter contained on just one page. One trouble, too, is that the so-called elemental books are altogether too elemental to be of much practical value, while the more advanced works are couched in language difficult for the beginner to comprehend, and they mostly treat on one or two main subjects, dealing with others but very briefly, and contain little of value as to operating room practice, rheostatic resistance and the things the operator particularly wants to thoroughly understand. You will probably get more real operating information out of my own handbook than from any other one book. At least what is therein contained is practical and is written in language you can understand. It may be had of the Moving Picture World, postpaid, for $1.50. It Does. — New York City writes: "Am an old New York operator. Took examination about two months ago and failed. Was notified that I could be re-examined in ninety days. Now, does that mean that, with the new law in force,. I will come under the six months' apprenticeship clause? I held a New York license from 1907 to 1910. The citizen law made me lose it. Am working in Jersey now. Must I actually work in New York six months as helper, or is there some way out of it if I have a Jersey license?" The law is quoted in another place this week, with comments thereon. You will see just what you are up against if it is enforced. Your statements do not coincide, however, You say that citizenship law caused you to lose your license and you also say you failed to pass satisfactory examination. Which is right? Tension. — Princeton. N. J., writes: "Am running an Edison Type B machine and have considerable trouble losing lower loop. This occurs during the first part of the run. due I suppose, to the greater strain on the film when the lower film roll is small. I manage to avoid same by raising weight arm slightly, thus slacking the take-up belt. Taking the hint from a letter in the department, some time ago, I intend to install a foot pedal to raise the weight arm. Will run a cord from pedal to pulley at ceiling and back to arm. On page 204, July 29 issue, you say: 'Sixty amperes X thirty-five volts (A C arc voltage) equal 2,100 watts, which divided by 200, the line voltage equals about ten amperes, same being the pull from the line through an inductor or economizer.' Do the same figures apply when working with a rheostat? Could I fuse up with fifteen ampere fuses and pull fifty amperes at the arc? Perhaps I ought to know all this, but I don't. However. I can never learn younger.'' No doubt the foot pedal idea will work out to your >atisfac