CORRESPONDENCE. LICHTING PICTURE THEATRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

LICHTING PICTURE THEATRES.

t* Tire bditok. Sir, —I was considerably interested in the report on “ The protection jf children in picture theatre,” which appeared in this evening’s “ Star.” As a writer of pictures and one who attends the programmes in Christchurch very frequently, T would like to make a. few remarks concerning the lighting system of theatres, as commented upon in the report. To ray mind there, is only one theatre in this city which is sufficiently illuminated when a film is being screened. In this theatre (the Strand) the management seem to have struck the perfection of illumination, in that the lights do not mar the perfect screening of the film, Imt are sufficiently strong, to enable one to enter the theatre and take a seat, without tumbling down the dresscircle stairs, or sitting in someone’s lap, incidents which not infrequently occur in other theatres. Ido not wish to cause offence, but, speaking from a purely observant point of view, T think it would be much, better for both the public and the picture proprietors if theatres were better illuminated while screening pictures. True; there aie tishers in attendance at all the theatres but there are dozens of people who enter the theatres when the ushers are not in attendance. There are many embarrassing situations, which in some case-* amount almost to annoyance, witnessed daily in the darkened interior of picture theatres, which is very baffling to one coming directly from the open air. The stairs of a dress circle must necessarily consist of alternate narrow and wide steps, and it is these which cause the trouble. Then again it ia well-nigh impossible- to find ti. vacant seat in the almost impenetrable darkness, which is so strongly marked in New Zealand picture theatres. I think that better illumination would be a great improvement towards efficiency.— I. am, etc. PKRCIV AL SMITH. Occidental Hotel, Christchurch.