Moving Picture World (Aug 1916)

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD August 5, 1916 Princess Theater, Clifton, Ariz. E. Brutinel Takes Over Two Picture Houses on the Wane and Brings Them Into the Limelight. WHEN Emile Brutinel purchased the Princess and Empire theaters in Clifton, Ariz., in 1914, they were in debt and were poorly patronized. By the application of good business methods and sound judgment Mr. Brutinel managed to put them on a paying basis. It was hard work, however, tor Mr. Brutinel to bring these two photoplay houses up to their present standard, but he is now enjoying the fruits of his labors. Before the time that Mr. Brutinel took them over the people of Clifton hardly knew that there were moving picture theaters in the city. They were not advertised and the entertainment was of a mediocre quality. Both houses are now advertised extensively and the admission price has been raised to 15 cents. Mr. Brutinel's patrons appreciate the improved quality of the shows and gladly pay the increase in price. The Princess theater stands on the banks of the Frisco River in that part of Clifton called the South Side. It is probably the best location in the city for a theater as it catches the people from all directions. It has been completely remodeled and repainted inside and out. The fireproof operating room has been doubled in size and two motor-driven Simplex machines of the latest model have been installed. The inside painting is a cream trimmed with a oale pink ceiling. The outside is gray with white trimmings, and the general effect is most pleasing. Other adjuncts to this modern theater building are a large stage for road shows, pit for orchestra, balcony and women's retiring room. The seating capacity is 500. The chairs are removable as the theater is used for dances, basketball games, church services on Sunday and many other things, making the Princess the social center of the city. To add to the pleasure of its patrons there are large double doors on the right of the stage, an an extension has been run out over the river and here chairs are placed for resting between dances or after the show. The ceiling is decorated with large clusters of lights, and two big ceiling fans. Between the windows on the sides are eight reversible fans and above each window is a pink fancy lamp globe to furnish just enough light to seat the patrons who are late in arriving. The front is decorated with two rows of lights covered with big white globes. Two big double doors on each side of the box office and an extension out to the railroad track aid in handling the crowds. The music is furnished by a Wurlitz orchestra piano. The Empire theater stands on Chase Creek at the other end of Clilton. It was formerly called the Royal, but after Mr. Brutinel became owner he changed the name for the reason that the theater had changed hands so often and had undergone so many reverses that he didn't care to take any chances with the same name. It is constructed of brick and Cement and both the inside and outside are artistically decorated. The wainscoting is of varnished mahogany. The seatity is 500 and the chairs are fine opera seats not removable. The aisles are covered with linoleum so that they can be mopped and cleaned each day. The front is white, decorated with electric lights, one row of colored lights being around the entrance arch and the other being around the box office. This arrangement creates a pretty effect at night and one that can be seen for a long distance. A small stage has been built, which is used only for vaudeville attractions. On each side of the screen double doors have been placed for emergency exits. Above the doors are two large suction fans and along the sides are many fans and lights. The ceiling is high and there are a number of large clusters of lights suspended. An orchestra piano furnishes the music. The fireproof operating room is roomy. Simplex and Power's motor-driven machines are used. The Empire is one mile from the Princess. Mr. Brutinel not only runs the regular program pictures but big state right features as well. In the latter part of last February both the Princess and the Empire theaters exhibited the Fox production entitled "Carmen," which featured Theda Bara. The business played to on the day that the picture was shown was remarkable, and it went a long way to stimulate interest in the kind of entertainment to be obtained at Mr. Brutinel's houses. "The Million Dollar Mystery" serial which was booked was also instrumental in bringing the Empire and Princess theaters into prominence. It was almost impossible to accommodate the crowds that swamped the houses to see each episode. Emile Brutinel. Eagle Theater, Lubec, Me. Photoplay House Accommodates One-third of Population of Its Town — Plays to Good Business. THERE was recently opened at Lubec, Me., a moving picture theater which enjoys the distinction of being the largest east of Bangor, and which is unique in that it will accommodate one-third of the entire population of the town which is between three and four thousand. Moving pictures have been flourishing in the town for the past five or six years, but the hall in which they first Princess Theater, Clifton, Ariz. Eagle Theater, Luebec, Me. made their appearance would accommodate but 350 patrons. The natural growth of the town and the increasing popularity of the moving picture soon outgrew the small house, however, and in spite of the deprecating remarks and doleful predictions of the townspeople the Eagle threw open its doors on Memorial Day evening to a capacity audience with the S. R. O. sign prominently displayed. Since that time it has answered the predictions of failure by keeping an average well beyond 500 nightly, .while the old theater had also fair houses. Vaudeville is also seen at the Eagle. The theater is 60 x 100 feet, has a balcony holding 350. five exits, two picture machines, in a modern fireproof booth situated in the rear of the balcony, and the parquette floor scats about 700. The interior is painted a soft gray, with proscenium decorations. There is a wide stage. The owners are T. S. and J. A. Toft, and W, W. Baker, the latter acting as general manager.