The Nickelodeon (Feb-Sep 1909)

July, 1909. THE NICKELODEON. 29 after the prosecution had apparently clinched its case by photo exhibits the defendant's lawyer came back with a photo of the district attorney, revolver in hand, committing the murder! It hardly seems as if the moving picture could be distorted to worse frauds than the ordinary photograph. Yet photographs are universally recognized as evidence. With moving pictures, as with photos, why should not good faith control? If the operator swears that the speed apparatus was properly managed, why does not that, with the picture, constitute a question of credibility for the jury to pass upon? If the Brooklyn case above referred to goes to the court of appeals perhaps that body will take a different view from that of the lower courts. Detroit Buys Picture Macliine The public lighting commission of Detroit, Michigan, has decided to buy a moving picture machine at an expense of about $150, for the purpose of examining operators of nickelodeon shows. If the operators can put the machine together after it has been completely taken apart, they will be granted a license, provided the stunt is performed within a reasonable time. The board decided to make the operators' license fee $5, with an annual charge of $2 for renewal. Suspension will follow violations of the law by operators, and if the offenses are repeated after a thirty-days' suspension, their licenses will be revoked. The code of rules submitted by the building commission for the regulation of the five-cent theaters was sent back by the board to be clarified. It seemed to them confusing and indefinite in placing responsibility. No one seemed to know whether it had been sent to the board officially or informally. It was reported that there are now about sixty picture machines in Detroit and between eighty and one hundred operators. Their license fees will go to the public lighting commission to pay the cost of examinations. Novak Musical Supplies The accompanying cut illustrates the pedal bass chime and cymbal beaters manufactured by Frank V. Novak. The beater is very simple in construction and very strongly made. All bearings and working parts are made of metal and are practically indestructible. After clamping to the drum and adjusting the cymbal hammer the apparatus is ready for use. All drummers in moving picture theaters should be interested in this as well as in other of Mr. Novak's instruments. Mr. Novak's specialty is building instruments to produce sound effects, at which he is uniformly successful. One of the most attractiYe features of a moving picture show is the production of sound effects, and it should receive more attention than it does. It is well worth while for any moving picture theater drummer to write for one of Mr. Novak's catalogues. His address will be fotmd in the advertising pages. Novak's Pedal Beater. Tke Manager of tke Eldreol One of the most popular men in the film game in Chicago is C. H. Wyatt, who was recently made manager of the Eldred Film Service. Mr. Wyatt has had a long experience in the rental business, having grown up in one of the largest exchanges in Chicago. Mr. Wyatt's one business principle is that there is no such thing as luck. He believes that what other people call luck in business is almost always the result of forethought. To him forethought means a system that will give his customers a service that cannot be equalled, Charles H. Wyatt. and to do this he has brought to the Eldred his whole energy. In the Eldred Mr. Wyatt knows he has got a vehicle that will carry him to greater prosperity. He has lots of good film and a personality that makes for success. A hard worker, a good business man, believing in fair competition, treating his customers loyally. They say around Chicago, "Wyatt? A dandy fellow, although he is a blonde." Color Patents Reported Sold It is reported that a corporation of large capital has taken over the Friese-Green patents relating tr> moving pictures in colors and will exploit the process in this country. A full illustrated description of the Friese-Green machines and processes for color-motography, was printed in the May number of The Nickelodeon. F. C. Aiken Makes CLange F. C. Aiken has purchased the stock of the Theater Film Service of Chicago and other cities. He has surrendered his stock in the Amusement Supply Company to his former partners and that concern will be run by the Enterprise Optical Company.