Mobile Cinema as Propaganda Agent
Page 51
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I'
is not in the least troublesome to 'induce people to enter a cinematograph theatre to see a display of films in which they are interested, but it is more difficult to arouse enthusiasm, on the part of the public, in subjects which at first sight, do not appear to be of an entertaining nature. In such circumstances a lecturer dealing with the vital topic of health and hygiene might not attract so good an audience as this subject deserves.
To counter this problem and to provide an effective form of propaganda, the Health and Cleanliness Council, 5, Tavistock Square, London, W.C.1, put into operation a mobile cinema outfit, based on a Comnier N3 2-3-ton 12-ft. 9-in, wheelbase chassis.
At the rear of the vehicle a special screen can• be fitted, so as to enclose the body. When this is in position the tailboard and rear door are fixed in a horizontal position, whilst sliding partitions fill in the sides, making a shadow box, which excludes direct sunlight from the screen. This makes possible a display in full daylight, the projector being mounted at the forward
end of the body behind the screen.
Power for the projector is .supplied by a specially constructed petrol-electric generator, utilizing an Austin 7 h.p. engine. In addition, there is a bank of Nile batteries housed in a locker on the near side below the floor ; if the engine should fail the display can be continued using power from the batteries.
If it be desired to give a demonstration in a building, the generating engine serves to provide the current, cables being run from the van to the projector inside the hall, or the batteries could be moved into the hall if cables could not be used and local current were not available.
It will be realized that the projector is independent of the engine of 'the van, so that the cinema operator can be certain that, in the event of an accident putting out of order the vehicle which carries the outfit, he can still give a display by removing such apparatus as is necessary. This procedure also allows time for maintenance work during demonstrations.
Many of the displays given are by arrangement with local authorities, and are advertised in advance. It will be realized, therefore, that certainty of performance is an essential factor in the operation of this interesting vehicle.
The interior accommodates such items of equipment as a large linen sheet—for use in demonstrations in halls—film-boxes and all electrical gear necessary for giving a show entirely independent of any facilities on the premises. If it be possible, however, to use current from the mains, suitable sets of resistances are employed.
To ensure adequate ventilation for the generating engine and body when the van is operating as a self-contained cinema, two exhaust fans are fitted in the roof, and a sliding door in the cab bulkhead admits fresh air.
We are informed that the vehicle has operated with marked success in many parts of England, and its equipment was planned as the outcome of several years' experience of mobile publicity work of this kind.
It has been found that this form of propaganda attracts the attention of a far wider public than would be possible • in other ways.