Page 23 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2002 #37

4 frame (16
perforation)
sprockets

Single blade, Detachable gate
fast cut-off
shutter

4 frame (16
perforation)
sprockets

Birth Of The GK40 The first of the post war projectors been conceived as a whole. The
A wartime No. 15 was developed was the Gaumont - Kalee 21. The separate major parts have been so
(1940) as the Dome Trainer, a dome- first complete installation was blended that they no longer have a
shaped structure in which the scheduled to open in January 1947 at separate identity, but merge into one
conditions of aerial combat were the Gaumont Palace Plymouth. functional piece of equipment of
simulated. It was later known as the The projector and arc lamp were dignified and impressive appearance.
GK40. This had a rear disc shutter. made at the Kershaw factory with the This homogeneity of outline is not
A modification of the GK40 with sound head, amplifier and speakers obtained by the employment of
different paint finish and more chrome, from British Acoustic Films. Taylor cowlings, but is an integral, inherent
became the GK18. All the projectors and Hobson supplied the lenses. The feature of design. Accessibility to all
so far were 'dry' machines, except for equipment continued to be marketed as parts is immediate and complete.’
the Nos. 11 and 12, which had an oil Kalee. Certainly appearance had been a
bath construction. The technical data sheet for the factor, with the art deco influence in
In 1939 Lord Rank became Kalee 21 reads, ‘For the first time the industrial design resulting in geometric
Chairman of Gaumont British through exhibitor is offered equipment of clean angles and curves with horizontal
his company's shareholding in the outline where the shape and function lines. Exhibitors still had the option of
16mm division of G.B. Equipments. of each component has been studied in using components of other
With the merging of the Odeon and relation to the other components. manufacture with the equipment.
Gaumont British chains in 1945, the Instead of a stand to which has been However, Kalee had struck middle
new organisation took over Kershaws added with little ingenuity and less ground between two opposite
and another firm specialising in sound artistry a soundhead, projector and philosophies in design.
equipment - British Acoustic Films. arc lamp, the Gaumont-Kalee 21 has

CINEMARECORD 2002 23