Mechanism for screen tab controller for cinema projector and sound
Mechanism for screen tab controller for cinema projector and sound, formerly used in the projection room of the Plaza Cinema, Leeds (1958 to 1985).
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The Plaza was a Leeds city centre cinema, playing many independent and ‘B’ films, as well as Continental ‘art’ films from 1958, until it was closed on 14 February 1985. The building was originally The Grand Assembly Rooms and was part of the complex which contained the Grand Theatre and Opera House, built in 1877 and 1888. It is now (2021) the Howard Assembly Room, part of the Leeds Grand Theatre and run by Opera North.
At that period, cinema projection was accomplished by using two projectors. As one was running, the projectionist laced up the other with the next reel of film and, as the first reel came to its end, watched for the first set of cue dots to appear at the top right of the screen and started the second projector. When they saw the second set of cue dots, they would switch over to the second projector using the changeover control box. This would cut off light and sound from the first projector and open the dowser of the second projector and switch to the sound track from it.
- Object Number:
- 2010-5006/1
- type:
- screen tab mechanism