The Moving picture world (November 1924-December 1924)

November 29, 1924 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 465 Exterior and Interior Views of the Balboa Theatre, San Diego, Cal. Balboa Theatre Is One of the Finest on the West Coast; $800,000 Is Invested "1? r ,IRST of all, I thought of comfort, I wanted a spacious lobby, and a foyer that wouldn't remind me of a box of sardines, and above all, seats where a person can stretch his legs all he wants to. Then, I thought of beauty and the pleasure that comes from beauty, and I visualized soft, alluring lights that would beckon one in to a fairyland of melody and charm. And after my visualizing, I set out in the hopes of realizing my dreams." That the dream which Robert E. Hicks, builder of Balboa Theatre, San Diego, Cal., tells about in the foregoing paragraph has been made into substance is mutely evidenced by the tall, dome-topped, buff colored building which occupies the corner of Fourth and E Streets, and which was recently opened. FILMS FOR SALE "The Branded Four*' featuring Ben Wilson and Neva Gerber, a fifteen -episode serial full of thrills. Write for descriptive booklet. GUARANTY PICTURES COMPANY 126 West 46th Street New York Cable Address, "Gapictco" Moving Picture Theatre The only one in a town cf 6,000 population with a surrounding territory that will make up 12,000; 800 seating capacity; modern brick builJing, fireproof: equipment all n"\i'; present o'-ner rebuilt 7 years ags and has made a comfortable fortune and wishes to retire; get in a town without competition ; that is the place to start growing into a large chain company; price $80,000 for real estate and equipment; half cash required. Lewis Theatre Brokers Buffalo, New York 1002 Mutual Life Bldg. For Sale— Capitol Theatre CLINTON, INDIANA Well equipped, modern house, seating 1,000, in town of over 10,000, in center of good agricultural and mining territory. To be sold at private sale December 8, 1924, by order of Marion County Probate Court. For details and terms write Geo. M. Dickson, Co-Receiver Consolidated Realty and Theatres Corporation 1240 CONSOLIDATED BUILDING INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA The new theatre which Hicks has built at a cost of $800,000 takes its place with the finest playhouses of the country. Placing harmony above ostentation, simplicity of design above arrogance of furnishings, it is a gem of theatre construction which will not fail to delight the most fastidious. The exterior of the structure is of Spanish Mission renaissance architecture; appropriately so, for the playhouse has been named by its owner after the discoverer of the Pacific, and everything about it is suggestive of the beauty of Spain and the history and traditions of early San Diego. The architecture is simple, rather than ornate, and its black and gold tiled dome is virtually its only embellishment. The structure besides the theatre which occupies a major part, also houses thirty-four offices and six stores. The spacious lobby of the show house, entered beneath a sheltering marquise, leads into the handsome foyer. Through the foyer the auditorium is entered, and from it, on the right, a sloping corn tile floor paves the way to the balcony and plaisance. The plaisance is a special feature p£ the new theatre, designed as a lounging and meeting place for patrons. Davenport* -and comfortable chairs invite leisure and undisturbed rest; soft music emanates from grills to charm the ear; the decoration of the room was done by the same artists who decorated the famous Theatre Internationale in Mexico City, delights the eye. The auditorium, spacious, comfortable, beautiful, is an ideal of theatre construction, leather cushioned opera seats, thirty-six inches apart, engage the sloping floor from the rear of the room to the orchestra pit. The orchestra pit will accommodate seventyfive players. Two doors, one on either side, lead the musicians into club rooms which have been provided for them in the basement. The dressing rooms for the feature act performers also are in the basement. They will accommodate eighty persons, and more room can be improvised. Other compartments are for electricians, carpenters and stage hands. WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN Slightly used. Cost $2,500 new. $1,100 cash takes this bargain. It contains piano, violin, flu'.e, bass and snare drums, tambourine, and mandolin attachment, and many other effects. Can be played by hand, or electrically. For full particulars address: THE HAYES MUSIC CO. 422 Superior St. Toledo, Ohio The feature of the interior decoration of the Balboa, said to be unique, is the replica of the world famous water falls, created by falling water and the superb lighting effects of the show house. For this, two immense grottoes, twenty-five feet high, have been built into the wall on either side of the proscenium arch. The lights play on the water, which represent cascades, during intermission, providing delightful diversion. The lighting arrangement for the Balboa is declared among the best in the State, having four colors — red, blue, white and yellow — which will produce any blend desired, and creating scenes of entrancing beauty. Cast upon the ceiling of the auditorium they will reveal a decoration having the appearance of a beautiful Persian rug ; on panels of the side walls, rich tapestry. The hues used to decorate the theatre's interior are finely blended and harmonized. "Music in these days of strenuous endeavor is as essential as food or drink." Bearing in mind this thought, expressed by an eminent authority on human happiness and longevity, Robert E. Hicks in building San Diego's newest picture theatre gave great consideration to the part music is to play on the Balboa's entertainment program. As fine a pipe organ as can be found in any theatre in the land, supplemented by echo organs, which was built by the Robert-Morton Organ Co., has been installed by Hicks in the new picture house. As if that were not enough he has engaged the service of professional musicians for a symphony orchestra and has placed over them as their director Robert Gaderer.