Boxoffice-April.07.1958

—
. . you
Appeal of
Kiddyland Rides
Varies With Child's
Age,
A Factor in
Selection
Drive-in exhibitors planning to install a
kiddyland or to add to present equipment
may be in a quandary as to just what to
buy. The following advice should prove
helpful. It is reprinted from "Kiddylands
A Business With a Future," published by
Allan Herschell Co.. Inc.
• In judging rides, a prospective buyer
should understand the ages to which rides
appeal.
• Generally speaking, the round, flat rides
(auto. boat, tank, etc.) appeal to children
from two through seven because their
action is gentle and they have great interest.
• Children from seven through 12 have not
entirely outgrown these rides and will go
on them. However, the greatest desires of
children seven to 12 are to ride roller
ponies, hand cars, and others
coasters, live
with greater action than the round, flat
rides.
• A ride like the Sky Fighter spans both
age groups.
TRAIN APPEALS TO ALL
• Trains also have wide appeal. If a train
has a long, interesting track, adults, as
well as children of all ages, like to ride.
• Merry-go-rounds attract all ages. However,
very small children, who prefer rides
cut down to their size, like kiddie merrygo-rounds.
Yet we do not advise buying a
kiddy merry-go-round until you own a
regular-size one.
• Boys and girls over nine develop a yen
for grown-up thrill rides which are known
in the trade as major rides like the Twister.
Scrambler. Tilt - a - Whirl. Caterpillar,
Round-Up. Pretzel. Bug, Dodge 'em, Octopus,
Moon Rocket. Looper, and large
ferris wheel. These rides are a great addition
to any amusement park and they
can be added to amuse the older kids.
However, kiddyland experts believe they
should not be placed in the area where the
kiddy rides are located. Major rides such
as these are likely to frighten small childi-en
and thus conflict with kid rides.
PROJECTION and
SOUND SYSTEMS
the drive-in investment
that pays off...
today and tontorrow !
Simplex projection and sound systems are proven and
accepted as the finest in the world. Their design includes
many exclusive features that are years ahead of the field.
And when you buy Simplex equipment, you have the
assurance that your drive-in will have up-to-date equipment,
not just today, but for years to come. Your invesimenl
is protected.
Today .
can purchase Simplex equipment—and
all other drive-in needs — through a National Theatre
Supply financing plan expressly designed to fit your budget.
This plan eliminates the need to go to an institution outside
the field for financial aid. It saves you time, trouble and
money. It simplifies the process of equipment purchases
and places your investment on a sound financial basis.
If you're planning to build or modernize a drive-in . . .
call your National representative. Check the many ways
he can assist you in selecting the best equipment and in
arranging favorable financing. It's an investment that will
pay off . . . today and tomorrow!
SEND FOR FREE
BOOKLET - Nationoi
Theatre Supply's "Let's Build a Drive-in" discusses
every aspect of Drlve-in planning from selecting a
site to equipping a kiddieland. Its 16 fact-filled
pages include mony cost-saving suggestions as well
as pitfalls to be ovoided.
Youngsters Bring the Adults
The playground is a potent draw both
for the boxoffice and the concessions at the
drive-in theatre, according to Phil Lowe.
Theatre Candy Co., Inc. Promotion of the
playground gets the youngsters in, and
they bring the adults. Where playgrounds
have been moved from the screen area to
be near the concessions it has proved profitable
and also economical as the playground
and concessions employes can double in
service according to the needs of the patrons.
IM/^TIONAL.
[
THEATRE S«_IF*I=I_V
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY • 92 GOLD STREET, NEW YORK, NY.
BOXOFFICE April 7, 1958 21