The Latest Toy.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14042, 28 October 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

The Latest Toy.

TABLE CINEMATOGRAPH. Few diversions liave mot with such universal popularity as animated photograph. Hitherto the enjoyment of this form of entertainment has been restricted Jp a roomy liall; but, as tho result of tho demand, it has now been adapted to tho dining-room table of tho ordinary homo in just tho tamo manner as tho phonograph. A small apparatus, measuring ;ibout 3ft. in length by Ift wide and deep, lias recently been patented, together with the necessary projecting equipment, and it it so simple in operatiou that a child can use it. Tho imago is thrown upon a ground glass screen, giving a picture of about 14in by lOin, at one end of the machine. If necessary, however, this screen can bo removed and the image projected upon a largo white screen, a piece of white cardboard, or some other opaque medium to greater dimensions. Tho projecting apparatus is of the simpliest design, and being strongly built, is not easily damaged or thrown out of gear. Tho apparatus is perfectly safo to use, there being no danger of igniting tho film such-as arises when a powerful illuminant is employed, as in the ordinary exhibition installation. In fact all that is necessary is a. conventional acetylene bicycle lamp. The film being placed some distance from the lighting medium, there is no possibility of sufficient heat being generated in focussing the light to bring about combustion of the film. The films are supplied on spools, and operate in the usual manner, being wound again on another spool after passing beforo the lens. Tho picture thrown upon the ground glass or other screen is perfectly distinct and clear, possessing all the vividness of life-movement incidental to tho largo exhibition projector The apparatus is designed in a variety of styles, ranging from a few shillings to as many pounds; and tlio spools of films lasting from two to threw minutes, are available at a price comparable with the ordinary phonograph records. This latest invention ranks as one of tho greatest developments in cinematography, since it ensures moving pictures with all their peculiar fascination being brought within the range of every Lome, and should rival the phonograph as an educational and diverting from of beguiling the tedium of an hour or so.