DECEMBER

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This view shows many of the unusual features of the La Cosa, including the screen which may be seen in the upper left. The doors lead from the
inner lobby, and patrons walk around behind the 5'4-/oo< baffle wall of natural birch to the auditorium seating area which may be glimpsed at the
far right. Patrons in the auditorium are not disturbed by others entering the foyer which is a part of the theatre proper, for the inner lobby serves as
a break beiweent inside and outside. Candy and popcorn are sold at the concession, beverages from a vending machine.
blue, brown and light green. A curving,
pendant lighting fixture of natural birch
has spotlights in the bottom and a fluorescent
tube on the top side to provide both
indirect and high intensity illumination.
Control of noise both from within and
without the theatre has been effectively
achieved in the La Cosa, for with the projection
equipment in front of the theatre
behind the screen from the audience, the
projection noise is well removed from even
those sitting closest to the screen.
ADVANTAGES OF REAR PROJECTION
A number of advantages result from rear
view projection. It eliminates the light
beam over the heads of the patrons in the
auditorium, so that smoke and dust particles,
which usually act similarly to a fog,
no longer diminish the brightness of the
image on the screen. Further, it removes
the need for high ceilings usually required
in theatre auditoriums in order to
project
the beam of light onto a large screen. It
gives much better definition, superior color
reproduction, permits seating patrons
closer to the screen, and affords a wider
viewing angle without distortion. F\irther,
as before mentioned, the greater auditorium
illumination permitted dispenses with the
need of ushers. Also, the use of rear projection
adds several rows of seats to the
auditorium which would otherwise be space
occupied by a stage and front cross aisle.
The special plastic screen which is used
eliminates the hot spot usually seen in most
rear view projection. This is not done by
forming the screen thicker at the center,
but by a method of diffusion in the screen
itself. The screen is formed by being
sprayed on a specially prepared surface to a
thickness of from .011 to .015 of an inch.
After curing, this coating is peeled off.
By working on an angle, the projectors
can achieve more throw than would be at
first apparent.
Two regular-type projectors are used, located
about 27 feet in back of the screen.
Projection is through ordinary portholes,
and the secret of the new optical system is
the special lens developed by Parr Products
Co. for rear projection through a dark
screen.
PATRONS CIRCLE
BAFFLE
The concession which is located in the
foyer consists of a candy case, popcorn
warmer, and cigaret and beverage vending
machine. A five and one-half-foot baffle
wall of natural birch behind a curved settee
separates the foyer from the auditorium.
Patrons enter the foyer from the patio
lobby and circle around this wall to the
auditorium.
The patio-lobby contains the boxoffice
and has four handsome attraction panels
set beneath cove lighting on one side. Walls
and ceiling of the lobby are metal industrial
decking. A small planting area adjoins a
rental store on the left.
The theatre is located on a two-acre site,
and a 250-car parking lot. surfaced with
bituminous paving, is provided.
The theatre was built at a cost of $210,000
by Charles P. Vatterott Co. It is subleased
from the St. Louis Amusement Co. by Hugh
Graham, manager.
CREDITS: Architect: Lewis E. Wilson • Air conditioning:
Kennord • Carpeting: Alexander Smith •
Changeable letters: Bevelite • Projection and sound:
Simplex • Seating: American.
"TVS'
This is the imall lobby between the patio lobby and
the foyer. The outer doors are natural birch, the
inner ones of plate glass, with a design painted in
green, silver and black. This painted decoration
is not only attractive, but acts as a light baffle.
12
The MODERN THEATRE SECTIONI::CE