Organ that Could Make Snowballs in Hades

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 9

Organ that Could Make Snowballs in Hades

WONDER MACHINE EOR STAGE EFFECTS LONDON, June 30. A machine which by the depression of a key can turn a stage snowstorm into- a sunset; night into dawn, and blend colours until the artistic eye of the stage producer is satisfied, has beeu perfected by a twenty-oue-year-old man. For the last three years lie has been experimenting with electrical current and coloured lighting. He has become the master of rhythm lighting. He is Mr Frederick Bentkam, of the Strand Electric and Engineering Co., Ltd. His machino is known as the light console. To the ordinary layman it resembles an organ of the type used iu cinemas, and controls, not music, but electrical current. Four Pieces, It has completely done away with the old- type of switchboard, where more than three or four men wero employed pulling and turning switches for electrical stage effects. In the bustle of Covent Garden, where the works are, a demonstration was given. Pour pieces were given. First, the Storm Fantasia from the “Flying Dutchman,” by Wagner. From au ordinary set —green and red —came multi coloured harmony—all done by Ihe depression of keys. The man at the lighting console could make snowballs in Hades . . . could turn sunset to to winter.