Publicity by Mobile Cinema
Page 53
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MICR. the past few weeks a new ..12 mobile cinema for the exhibition of sound films for advertising and charitable purposes has been travelling about the country. It demonstrated at the recent 63rd annual Co-operative Congress, at Bournemouth, and this week it is at Brighton in use at the Cinema Trades Exhibition.
The vehicle, which incorporates a Dodge Brothers 30-cwt. chassis converted to forward control on the Tomlinson principle, is the patent design of Tomlinson (Marylebone), Ltd., 77, High Street, London, W.1, and it is being operated by this company in conjunction with the leading film and advertising organizations. The Tomlinson concern is most enthusiastic about the possibilities of the widespread use of film publicity and at a later date it is to form a separate company, called the Film Advertising Co., to deal with it.
Fully equipped mobile cinemas of the Tomlinson pattern, which can be used in daylight, are being marketed at the low price of £1,500. The driver is accommodated in an enclosed full-width cab in which there is a seat on the near side for a passenger. Entry and exit can, of course, be made from each side. Directly behind the cab and extending for the full width of the body is a small compartment, with a door on each side, in which the electric generator and its power unit are installed.
The sound-on-film system is used. In the main part of the body are a Kalee film-projecting apparatus and six amplifying units. There are also three loudspeakers, two of which, mounted at the back of the body, are for the public, whilst the other is for the cinematographic operator's information. Other equipment includes a non-synchronous machine for transmitting music. The body is panelled in fireproof material and entry to the interior of the main compartment can be made through a door on each side, at the front, just behind the generator cabin. At the back there is a pair of doors, above which is a fabric canopy. This is mounted on a telescopic assembly on the roof, and when the frame is extended rearwards the canopy, in conjunction with the open back doors and supplementary sidescreens, gives the necessary degree of darkness for film projection.
Two vertical stanchions, which are braced by a cross-bearer, are attached at their upper ends to the sliding assembly, and support the canopy and
help to keep the side wings rigid. When not in use these members and wings may be stowed away in the vehicle.
The screen upon which a film is shown is hung at the back of the vehicle.
Last Wednesday we were afforded the opportunity for witnessing the exhibition of a film, which, despite the fact that the van was unsatisfactorily placed with regard to light, was remarkably clear, as was the music that was broadcast. The lack of vibration produced by the generator—an important point in film work—was admirably demonstrated by placing a tumbler of water on the floor of the vehicle, when scarcely a ripple was observed.