Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1939)

October 14, 1939 S H O W MEN'S TRADE REVIEW Page 33 A Step By Step Plan for Real Protection Efficiency Valuable Tips for Showmen and Projectionists on Handling Booth Equipment GOOD projection begins with good equipment, properly installed. The projection room should be of ample size so that the projectionist can have room to work on either side of his projectors and so keep them clean and in adjustment. The observation ports should be large enough so the projectionist can see the screen from most any part of the room. Where only one projectionist is on duty, rewind bench, film cabinet and automatic rewind should be installed near enough to the projectors so that he can keep an eye on the screen while rewinding and inspecting films. Glass should be in both the lense and observation ports to prevent noise from reaching the auditoriu m. Projectionist' Must Know Equipment If the theatreman has provided the necessary conditions, only sketchily outlines above, he can ask of his projectionist good screen results, and it is up to the projectionist to know his equipment thoroughly, and to the theatreman to cooperate when the projectionist reports conditions needing repairs by outside service men and provide, if at all possible, for regular servicing of sound equipment by service organizations. If no regular servicing is provided by the management, then a periodic examination by such service organizations should be provided at least every six months. Now for the projectionist himself. His job most certainly is to keep the equipment clean and in adjustment. We have found, the unfamiliarity with the operation and re A new line of "luxury furnifure" of untarnishable aluminum, suitable for lounges and rest rooms and wherever attractive furniture is a requisite, has been acquired for distribution to theatres by National Theatre Supply Company. Providing comfort without bulk, the chair shown above in colorful leatherette, contrasting handsomely with its aluminum frame, is an appropriate piece for the loun-'e. pairing of projection and sound equipment, was due to indifference on the part of the projectionist. On the other hand, during our travels on servicing and installations, we have found, we are happy to state, the vast majority of projectionists are alert and taking an interest in securing better sound and projection by studying and keeping their projection equipment in good repair. These men are to be congratulated. 30 Minutes Before Show Time We don't think much of the man who cc>mes to work five minutes before time to start the show and throws a reel in the projector, hoping that everything will go alrlgiit. At least thirty minutes should be spent in the projection room before the show starts. The amplifier should first be turned on and checked; the projectors turned on and let run about ten minutes; the .'prockets carefully cleaned on both the .■oundheads and projectors; the projector carefully oiled, soundhead oiled, take clean rags and now wipe and clean soundheads and projectors, check and clean sound lense, check exciter lamps, clean projection lenses, clean and check arc lamps and mechanism and reflectors. Light should be carefully focused before making a changeover as ihere is no excuse for a poor light on the .'creen when changing from one projector to the other, as, inexcusably, happens in some theatres. Side Motion Can Be Avoided There is no need to put up with poor projection in this day of modern equipment and modern equipped repair shops. Side motion in a picture can be avoided if the projector is kept in good repair. Side motion is usually caused by end-play in the intermittent sprocket, the starwheel not being adjusted properly, or guide rolls incorrectly aligned, or worn sprocket. The idler roller on the intermittent sprocket should be set the thickness of two films, on Powers, on the Simplex, the E-3" should be set just right so it does not ride the film. Picture jump is a thing to be avoided and is absolutely unnecessary. This is caused by sprung starwheel, under-cut sprocket, wrong tension on film, worn intermittent movement. It is easy to repair intermittent movements if you have the right tools and knowledge to do the job. If not, we recommend that you send it in to manufacturer or a reliable repair shop, and insist on standard parts being used — parts that FIT and are hardened'for long wear. Travel ghost is caused by worn gears or incorrectly set shutter. When the gear train of your projectors has become worn so much that yon can turn the shutter backward or forward 5/16", it is time you installed new shutter gears or entire new gear train. Installing new gear with worn gear will simply wear our the new gear in very diort time, so we urge that when you install new gears you install an entire new gear train, unless the gears are not too badly worn. Still it is best to put in new gears for longer wear and results. We arrived at this conclusion after rebuilding hundred:of mechanisms and on inspection tours. During our travels we have been asked, "Will a rebuilt projector give me good projection and service?" Yes, IF YOU BUY FROM A RELIABLE DEALER and insist on ALL NEW parts and one year's guarantee. Any good, reliable dealer will be glad to give you this. Wesley Trout Installation of General Seating Chairs Reported by Manufacturer Installations of modern theatre seats, manufactured by tiie General Seating Company, have been or will be installed in the following theatres: Community, Cadiz, O.; C. E. Elkins' Theatre, Walnut Ridge, Ark. ; Imperial, Forrest City, Ark. ; Roosevelt, Hobbs, N. M. ; Breeze, Philadelphia, Pa.; State, Miami, Fla.; Dixon, Dixon, III; Beth David Con.f^regation, Miami Fla.; Lyric, East Prairie, Mo.; Marlow's, Herrin, 111.; New, Drummond, Mont. The Projector parts that give longer and better service because they are Hardened and Ground. Manufactured and Guaranteed by LAVEZZI MACHINE WORKS 180 N. Wacker Drive Chicago, Established 1908 GENERAL I. I.I. I.I.I, I GENERAL SEATING COMPANY Quiek Service! Headquarters for machine and roll MOTION PICTURE TICKETS Highest Quality Right Prices KELLER-ANSELL TICKET CO. Suite 608, 723 7th Ave., N.Y.C. Bryant 9-7532 Make those improvements now! Now is the time to make those much needed • improvements to your theatre. Allow us to offer our suggestions and estimate. NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS, Inc. • Draperies • Interior Decorations • Murals 318-320 W. 48th Street New York ACOUSTICON SO THAT 20,000,000 DEAFENED MAY ATTEND THE THEATRE 580 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY • WRITE FOR FREB* BOOKLET *