Evening journal., 1921-03-12
new ARCADIA,
BEAUTY BOWER
Latest Picture House Equal3
Oriental Palace in
Magnihcence
DOUG" FAIRBANKS
THERE FIRST NIGHT


fame. who was amazed and rubbed
his eyes in wonder when he touch
ed his wonderful lamp and asked I
for a golden palace, which appeared I
to him, so were citizens OF VIII Z
mington who were so fortunate as /
TO be present at the opening Of VIII |
mington's newest motion picture !
palace. "The Arcadia" last night.
While movie fans were in man.
ner prepared for something new in |
a motion picture theatre. they were
not prepared for the magnificent !
sight which met their eye upon en-
tering this wonderful structure, with
{ its fine appointments and furnish
ings.
Before the official opening by
Mayor William G.. Taylor, the
/ theatre was open for inspection.
The entrance lobby is unlike any
other in the city. with its marble
pillars. finely appointed box Office
andlighting arrangements. Upon en-
tering. what strikes one most Is the
color scheme, which resembles moth
ing so much as the oriental palaces
Of old. The colors Of gold, blue and
gray. with their artistic blending
have really to be seen TO be fully
appreciated.
Ascending the incline to the bal
cony. is an aquarium, which seems
to have been transported from some
woodland dell, with its ferns, plants
goldfish, cages OF canaries and
hundred and one other details. BE
fore entering the balcony proper
a nezzanine floor or foyer, equipped
with easy chairs. plants and How
! ers. greet the eye. II IS just the
place for a chat with friend after
the pictures.
Descending 10 the orchestra, one
Of the fine outstanding features OF
! last night were beautiful flowers
| which hlled baskets on pedestals at
the entrance to the orchestra Sec
ton.
The lighting fixtures OF the thea
b tire arc most satisfactory. One OF the
l features is the lattice work effect
, over the screen in the shape Of q
I half dome While a picture is being
r shown and the house is in semi
I darkness, small lights shining
e through the lattice look like stars
/ as one would see them, looking from
- a dark room through a lattice win
q dow.
The air which the patrons breathe
is actually washed before being
r famed, into the theatre. Other
fans draw the foul air out thus fur
q nishing an abundance Of pure air al
4 all times, either winter or summer
Seating arrangements are pro
vided for 500 persons. Every sea
is in such position that the screeI
can be seen from any part OF th'
- house.
1 Music. which is classed as abou
- 40 per cent. Of all good motion pic
lures. will be provided by an organ
N Due to delays at the factory the ne'
"a organ is yet TO be installed, an'
, until its installation. an orchestr
n win furnish the music.
The Arcadia was conceived an
p created with a definite policy. II Il
= In brief. to please and to satisfy, q
"A give a service that will consider frs
and most important the pleasure an
.r comfort Of its patrons.
-o The recognized favorites and les
Ia known artists who have the goo
al fortune to produce "a really grea
10 dr-ma will alike smile from the Al
ss cadia screen. Scenic, scientific an
al comedy pictures, news reels, trave
a. ogues and novelties are also to b
embraced in the picture program.
II would be a matter of inexcul
able neglect. to ponder over the e.
cellence and beauty OF Wilmington
I, Arcadia" without pausing to recoi
II nize the splendid effort and accom-
pli-hment Of its architect and buil'
er. David L. Topkis. Many montl
ne OF exhaustive study preceded his e
w fort in completion. which is chara
nt teristic OF his rise from obscurity
success.
e. Much credit is also due to Jam
eu y. Glnns. under whose direction q
Playhouse. Queen, Majestic, Rial
~ and Strand have enjoyed so mu'
II success. The Arcadia will also
~, under the direction Of Mr.. Ginns.
~ The doors Of the theatre were m
ri opened until 7.30, but despite tn
fact, the anxious movie fans" b.
re- gan crowding around the entran'
nv shortly after o'clock. The thror
20 grew steadily in number, until
as the time OF opening. long lines OF pi
irons were strung from the sidewa
directly in front OF the theatre. ar
up Market street to Sixth street, e.
IN tending down Sixth street almo
,iq to King street SO impatient
a. they become in their desire 20
a. lin. that a special detail OF police w
le- found necessary to keep them
'or order.
ic- Mayor Taylor officially opened q
theatre at o'clock. by a brief spec
in which he said. 1T is a pleasu
TO take part in the opening OF
he Theatre so beautiful as the ArcadI
OF lIf we can judge the future by d
est mast the management will enjoy su
in cess. Amusement is as essential
ar a part OF city life as the departmer
OF the city government. When 4
Toplxis Brothers started the develo
ment OF the amusement life OF Z
an lcity. they had not the experien
ort (which they have now, but by th'
hes earnest efforts. they have carri
ten their projects to success"
igo Motion picture producers from
his over the United States sent te
grams and flowers. wishing {
Arcadia management every succe
Representatives from the bran
De- Offices Of the Goldwyn Pictures c,
or poration; Pathe, Universal and !
INST ISOLATED Producers Inc. in Philad
OF phia, were present. Numbers OF {
the prominent folk in the public and o