Another Mobile Cinema
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BROADCASTING and cinema vans are being employed for various advertising purposes and the use of such vehb.]es has now been developed in connection with a patent food, a Ford machine of this type having recently been put into service by the Cow and Gate concern. The equipment was supplied by Ensign, Ltd., 88-9, High Holborn, London, W.C.1, which corn, pany had the standard Ford Lutontype body altered to meet its special requirements by Rice and Harper, Ltd., Guildford.
Ensign, Ltd., claims that this is the first daylight talking-picture van to use 16-mm. sub-standard film. Towards the rear of the vehicle is a case housing a special "silent sixteen" projector,
together with an 60-watt amplifier. On the top of the case are to be found a gramophone turntable, pickup, etc., by .means of which ordivary, as well as " talkie,", records may be
played. • .
The outfit forms a compact unit and it can be used in a hall, as well as in the van. A microphone is provided so that verbal announcements may be made on the spot. Power for driving the
projector and talking unit is supplied by a special silent petrol-driven A.C. generator, providing 100 volts at 8 amps.
The screen upon which the film is Projected is mounted at the front of the body, above the driver's cab and, when the vehicle is ready for the road, the screen is covered by the forward body
panel, which is hinged along its upper edge. Folding side wings are also provided, so that, when " ready for action,". the screen is shielded from the light on three sides, the front body panel being raised to a horizontal position. In this way, a sufficient degree of darkness for successful projection is. ensured. The hinged panel is operated by mean a of a handle mounted just above the off-side
door of the cab. • On the near side, above the cab, is a moving coil loud-speaker, which is mounted on runners and, when not in use, is concealed by a door in the body. When required for use, the loud-speaker may be protruded from the side of the van.
The mobile cinema is now engaged on a tour of the Midlands, films depicting the manufacture of Cow and Gate milk food being shown daily.