Boxoffice-January.03.1953

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The halo effect of the setting sun is created with fluorescent blue neon tubing
and outlined with yellow neon behind the scintillating name signs of the
Sunset Theatre, Wichita, Kas. A total of 1,200 feet of tubing was used in the
design and 30 electrical circuits are required to power the display. The
signature signs are formed of 36-inch porcelain letters set with 1,400 sevenand-onc-holf-wati
daylight bulbs which are operated by flasher devices.
LUMINOUS DISPLAY KEYED TO THEATRE'S NAME
Kansas Theatre Also Features an Unusual Location
Of Attraction Boards Beneath the Modern Marquee
f\ LUMINOUS DECORATIVE treatment
above the marquee of the new Sunset Theatre.
Wichita, Kas., symbolizes the glory
of the setting sun in an interesting interpretation
of the theatre's name. A halo
effect is created with fluorescent blue neon
tubing in a lattice-work design, topped with
yellow neon tubing. Sta/s set into the lattice
work are ruby red. Two large signature
signs are formed of 36-inch yellow porcelain
enamel letters set with small clear bulbs
operated with flasher devices causing them
to
twinkle.
THE MARQUEE IS DIFFERENT
An unusual placement of the two attraction
boards beneath the marquee is further
distinguished by the inclined angle at
which they are set. The lower facade, modern
in design, is composed of Roman buff
brick trimmed with wine-colored brick, corrugated
aluminum and a large expanse of
plate glass. The glass is used for entrance
and exit doors on the west side, and for
full-length windows across the entire north
section of the spacious lobby. An attractive
planter extends the full length of the windows
and may be seen from the street.
The boxoffice is located on the south
wall of the outer lobby, between the exit
and entrance doors to the foyer. Just inside
the foyer is the concession bar, extend-
Typicol of the smart appointments in the Sunset
Theatre is the ladies' lounge which is furnished with
modern functional pieces and carpeted luxuriously.
One wall is completely mirrored, and the others
are decorated with ocean murals.
ing along the west wall, where all who enter
must pass by. The concession features a
cove-lighted, dropped ceiling, and an attractive
mural decorates the backbar.
Carpeting in the inner foyer, lounge and
auditorium is particularly decorative. The
custom-loomed pattern displays yellow and
golden stars against a green ground. Interior
walks combine bold and soft shades
of green, old rose, deep purple and chartreuse
for a pleasing effect, and fluorescent
floral murals enhance the decor. Stage
draperies are of chartreuse and old rose
moire, framing a chartreuse celanese screen
curtain. Cushioned, spring back chairs upholstered
in rose and red were installed.
MURALS IN THE LOUNGE
Ocean murals decorate the walls of the
ladies' lounge and one wall is completely
mirrored. It is furnished with attractive,
functional furniture of modern design. A
brightly colored restroom adjoins it.
Just above the lounge is a cryroom which
is reached by a ceramic tile stairway wth
wrought iron bannisters bearing the big
S which is symbolic of Slothower theatres
(T. H. and Merta Slothower, owners). The
14 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION