Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1941)

Page 38 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVI E W October 11. 1941 M1RROPHONIC DE LUXE SOUND anb MOTIOGRAPH PROJECTORS avib ijcu ivill obtain MODERN YET PROVEN SOUND AND PROJECTION W„EN YOU INSTALL A Mirrophonic Sound System, you bring to your patrons the extra punch born of its greater volume range, and an added appeal derived from its complete tonal range. Mirrophonic Sound is most dramatic and most natural! — with heretofore unobtainable delicate shadings of voice . . . and music, too, is reproduced with majestic qualities never before approached. The Motiograph "K" Projector, modern though 'timetested, is the answer to the alert theatre owner's quest for supreme projection. Together with the sheer eye appeal of the projected picture, the Motiograph "K" offers tireless, silent performance at the absolute minimum operating cost. R)R DETAILS we invite you to consult your independent theatre supply dealer or MOTIOGRAPH, INC. ESTABLISHED 1 8 9 6 NTS Veterans Recall Those'Good Old Days' Commemorating the company's fifteenth birthday, recently celebrated, the current issue of National Theatre Supply Company's house organ throws the spotlight on the changes which have taken place in motion picture exhibition over the past decade and a half. What has happened in this business since the days when pictures were silent and theatre operation, by comparison with today at least, somewhat slaphappy, is pointed in the reminiscences of several members of "National's 15-year club." "Nor an Acoustic in the House" T. W. Neely, of the New Orleans Branch, recalls a complaint he got from an exhibitor who said his sound was particularly bad and that "he didn't have an acoustic in the house." E. B. Morton, of Pittsburgh, goes back to the pre-National Theatre Supply days, to discuss projection as he knew it when calcium gas was used in place of electricity and he was employed by the company which manufactured it. The tanks containing the hydrogen gas were painted black and the oxygen, red. Projection lamps had a burner which used a piece of lime. Occasional explosions from the tanks, due to imperfect mixture, often put a realism into the gun-shooting of the western dramas which made audiences jump. O. A. Person, Minneapolis, tells how he refused to believe, until he was shown, that the American Reflecting Arc Lamp, which was brought to him in the '20's, could put a better light on the screen at 20 amperes than he was getting with the old lamp houses pulling 80 amperes. A. M. Olson, also of Minneapolis, concludes his notes on how things used to be with the following good-natured rib : "I only want to add that the exhibitor today is just the same as he was 20 years ago. He still claims the bottle was broken before it was packed." Novelty Scenic Studios Complete Three Decorating Jobs Novelty Scenic Studios have recently completed three decorating jobs. Weinberg's Lee Theatre, a new house in Roanoke, Va., was completely decorated, including draperies, stage equipment, wall coverings, decorative paintings and murals. J. A. Nordquist's Main Street Theatre at Galeton, Penna., was also decorated, the studios handling the painting, murals, draperies, stage equipment and wall coverings. Novelty recently completed work on the new Colony Theatre, Toledo, O. The work included draperies and stage equipment, wall coverings, murals and decorative velour and leatherette treatment for the lobby. Theatres Install Portable Soda Fountains in Lobbies The Admiral Theatre, Chicago, has utilized hitherto unproductive lobby floor space by installing a soda fountain. The equipment consists of a portable unit. A similar installation has been made at the Reeves Theatre, Elkin, N. C. These compact refreshment service units, built by The BastianBlessing Company of Chicago, enabled the theatres to give patrons additional service — at a profit.