New Britain herald., 1926-11-10

bring forth that type Of entertain ment of quality and selection for which he is already noted. We can hear the voices of the entire per- sonnel of the film trade of Connecti- cut reverberadng against the walls of time. in uPahimous exclamation for his continued success, Again we repeat that our purpose is far from a mercenary one! We feel proud to be able to print such testimonial as this to Mir. Hoffman and we will likewise from time to time print suitable attests to the praise Of other deserving personalities within our midst! We hope. MT. Hoffman, that from the very opening hour on Armistice Day. your theater will re- fleet all that is pleasant to you and your associates! May nothing ever occur that might tend to halt your progress and success"
 But MT. Hoffman is not the only man identified with the movie in- dustry in this city whose career has been marked by hard work cul- minating in success. Such are the Contaros Brothers and Perakos.
 John Contaros who. incidentally TOW Is a director of the City Ma tional bank, came to this country from his native land Of Greece in 1907 with no more financial means than the average immigrant. He came to New Britain and with his brothers, Michael and Charles, opened candy store on Main stret in 1909. They prospered and be- came firmly esta blished business men.
 In 1908 Peter Perakos went Into partnership with George Halliby in the Scenic theater. This also fourished and In 1917. John Con- taros bought out Halliby's interest in the Scenic. In 1919 the business in- terests of the city were startled when it was announced that the Contaros Brothers and Perakos had purchased Keeney's theater from the late P. S.. McMahon and were to change the name to the Palace. In 1921 this same firm purchased the Fox thea ter and building on West Main street and this year they all joined Ill the merger With Mr. Hoffman.
 Last winter a disastrous lire gut ted the Palace, but from It's ruins arose another and more attractive playhouse, rushed to completion by the energy Of the proprletors.
 Policy Of the Strand
 The policy ot the Strand Is to be SIX acts ot the best vaudeville ob- tdlnaDle, together with the highest ,ype ot pAotouramaS. incidentally, lne Strand Will De the only house ln the city showing vaudeville and the programs will begin at 2:3V and u:Sv ually. For every evening per Iornlance there will be certain plock ot seats Tor which reserved seat tickets may be purchased, but a majority or the house Will be
 SlIlllu feature it's vaudeville ana pictures, but 1t also Will specialize Tn its Ill uSlcal program ana the Strand grand orchestra plans to furnish a special musical treat al every per- tormance, whlle.tne organ interludes Will be of the hnest. Special effects, both musical and in the way ot speclal lighting, are possible for every feature act and picture and the stage equipment Is so complete that there Is not an act in vaudeville today that cannot be played here,
 There has been some wonderment expressed as 10 just how this thea ter Is situated. It's very simple. The plot Of land upon which it IS built races on Main street and then. in the rear and behind all the other Main street fronting properties as far as Chestnut street. 1t extends to the last named street, adjacent to the Connecticut company property. The Main street entrance building of the theater is devoted to lobby space on the first floor and offices above. En- trance from Main street brings on directly into the rear Of the theater where turn to the right puts one in position facing the stage. In other words the seating arrangement of the auditorium is north and south, while the entrance is from west to east. The stage is backed on Chestnut street.
 Daniel Finn Is Manager
 The house management is directly under the supervision of Daniel Finn who has been associated with the Hoffman Enterprises for some time and who is thoroughly familiar with the high standards demanded. MT. Finn. who has been in the city for several weeks familiarizing himself with local conditions, has had wide experience in the theatrical business both in New.Y9Jk and also in Bos- ton. More re9ehtly he was manager of the Olympia theater in the Hub City. He has surrounded himself with capable staff and promises to give New Britain what it has al- ways wanted-a vaudeville house of the higher order where the better type of vaudeville Is presented.
 Free Parking Places
 In line with the progressiveness that has made this theater possible and the policy which. It is expected will make it popular In this section of the state, the management has gone one step farther than anybody else has attempted. Free parking space for such patrons as wish it has been provided.
 The Strand management has leased for a term of years the large vacant lot in the rear of the Y. M c. A. and the Sovereigns building and this is to be utilized as a Strand parking place. It must be distinct