Boxoffice-April.07.1958

EMPHASIS IS ON PLAYGROUND
Continued from preceding page
the chain, but that Loew's Sharpstown can
be expanded to 2.100 cars.
The theatre has four entrance lanes. It
uses the Taller & Cooper tally system,
adapted from toll road stations for drive-in
theatres. The Houston installation is not
the first, but it is one of the few such installations
in the nation.
The system speeds up traffic and enables
the entrance windows to handle about twice
as many cars as simpler tally systems, Mc-
Callon said.
The holdout lanes and space are sufficient
for 350 to 400 cars. McCallon estimated.
The amusement park area is right
by it. and there are in all about five acres of
landscaped park and 5 '2 acres of amusement
features.
The theatre imported 84 tropical palm
trees, and set up an unusual lighting system
for the trees, to advance the tropical
appearance of the theatre. Houston is located
at the edge of the sub-tropics, and is
oriented toward the warm countries—Mexico
is within a day's driving distance, and
the Rio Grande Valley of Texas contains
many palms.
The shrubbery also includes landscaping
with pittasporum holly, crepe myrtle,
fancy cedars, ligustrum and bamboo. An
attractive Michigan cedar fence encircles
the entire 36-acre drive-in theatre project
with the exception of the entrance.
EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In order to provide for the exotic shrubbery
lighting, five-wire speaker system.
moonglow lighting for the entire grounds.
and other special effects, there are hundreds
of miles of electrical lines running
under the ground in an elaborate wiring
system. Special lights, directional signs
and effect lighting were made by Drive-In
Theatre Manufacturing Co., and supplied
by Joseph Homstein Co., New York City.
which also supplied the high fidelity Motiograph
in-car speakers.
The paved area for 1.600 cars covers 20
of the 36 acres, and is asphalt topped.
Loew's had the ladies in mind when tliey
The four-lane concessions at the Sharpstown is oper ated by a staff of IS. Special features of the airconditioned
building are treadle-type automatic doors. The concessions is operated by Confection Cabinet Co.
provided this smooth, gravel-free surface
for comfortable walking and cleanliness.
The hard surface also provides a constant
level for the ramps. The Sharpstown is
said to be the only drive-in theatre in
Texas so .surfaced.
Patrons will be assured of insect-free entertainment
because the theatre is equipped
with a TIFA insecticidal fog applicator and
will use a repellent which is not injurious
to people, animals, plants, clothing and
cars, but is definitely obnoxious to mosquitos.
gnats, etc.
Patrons are also assured of full operation
of the theatre, including projectors, concessions
building, boxoffices and electrical
signs, because power failure has been obviated
by installation of emergency generators.
The drive-in has a screen 50 feet by 120
feet, of all steel and concrete construction.
A zigzag sawtooth construction on the back
is an attention-getter to cars passing along
Sharpstown's main entrance boulevard.
The throw to the screen is 475 feet.
The concessions building, projection
room and offices are all fireproof brick
The 3,720-square foot concessions is located in this fireproof, brick, glass and metal building. A spacious
patio is located in front of the cafeteria and a giant circus playground is in the rear.
construction. The buildings include a
"diaper den" and bottle warmer facilities.
"We're going strong for the family trade,"
McCallon pointed out. Free diapei-s will be
supplied in the nursery.
The ladies room includes 1.275 square
Interiors of restrooms are masonry, tile,
terrazzo, natural woods and glass. Maid
service will be provided at all times.
Two water wells each pump 400 gallons
a minute.
This water supply will serve the
concessions stand and the needs of the
shrubbery as well, according to McCallon.
The concessions building is 40x80 feet
and air conditioned by machinery of 30
tons capacity. It has four serving lanes.
A staff of about 15 persons will man it,
McCallon said.
feet and the men's room 975 square feet.
In all, there are about 75 fixtures. McCallon
reported, to handle a concentration of
people in a short time. The rooms are airconditioned.
Foot-treadle automatic doors are a convenience
for patrons with loaded trays.
SERVICE TO CARS
Loew's will also have battery powered
Foodmobiles to drive around the paved area
and serve patrons after the snack bar
closes.
The theatre will employ about 40 persons
including the snack bar staff, McCallon
figures. Manager is T. W. Horton. Uniforms
for the security force were designed
by Henchman of Indianapolis and provided
by them and Parker of Houston.
Two Simplex machines are in the projection
room. They have equipment to project
Cinemascope, magnetic and optical
sound. The projection room also has facilities
to put out AM. FM and Hi-Fi for
music over the public address system.
Speakers are located throughout the area,
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION