Without a Magic Lantern
Previous to the introduction of the cinematograph, dissolving views ranked amongst the most popular of entertainments. By means of a specially-constructed magic lantern, a painted picture from a glass slide is thrown upon a screen. Then, at the will of the operator, the picture apparently dissolves into a haze, through which a second picture gradually makes its appearance.
Subjects are usually chosen which specially adapt themselves to such an optical illusion. For instance, a picture might be shown of a small country village, which slowly dissolves into a view of the same place several years after, when it has developed into a thriving and populous town.
But the specially constructed magic lantern necessary for these dissolving views is a very costly piece of apparatus, the purchase of which would entail the careful saving of two or three years’ pocket money. However keen a boy may be to provide some form of home entertainment for the amusement of his friends, such an alarming prospect would make his keenness dissolve as completely as the pictures he hoped to display.
Fig. 1.—Show as seen by audience.
It is the purpose of this chapter, however, to explain how an apparatus may be constructed for a small sum that will bring about effects similar to those of the special magic lantern costing many dollars.
[Fig. 1] depicts the show as seen by the audience. It consists principally of a framework not unlike that of a model stage, the dimensions of which must be left to the decision of the reader. For the sake of convenience, however, it will be advisable to explain the method of constructing apparatus capable of displaying views about the size of a picture postcard.
A stage front similar to that in [Figs. 1] and [2] should first be cut from either thin wood or stout cardboard. The size of a picture postcard is usually 31⁄2 inches by 51⁄2 inches. Consequently the opening in the stage front must be about 61⁄2 inches by 81⁄2 inches. This allows for a nice margin around each dissolving view.
It will be noticed from the diagrams that both sides of the show are fitted with two small rods, bearing miniature curtains. These are to prevent the audience seeing what the showman is doing “behind the scenes.” Their mode of fixture is explained in [Fig. 3]. Four pins, with their heads nipped off, are bent in the shape of a horseshoe, and a pair driven into each side of the stage front (A, [Fig. 3]).
Fig. 2.—Show from back view.
The two rods, which can consist of thin pieces of cane, are then pushed into the sockets thus formed, and the curtains threaded upon them by means of a wide hem sewn along the top. The advantage of this method of fixture is that when the show is packed up, the curtains can be easily removed by merely pulling the rods from their horseshoe-shaped sockets.
Fig. 3.—Back view of partially constructed apparatus.
The floor or base of the show must next be provided. Procure a piece of wood about 10 inches long, 1⁄8-inch thick, and of the same width as the stage front. A block of wood is then nailed or glued along one end of this, and the stage front fixed firmly to it ([Fig. 2]).
Having done this, make a journey to the nearest glazier’s, and purchase a piece of glass of about the same dimensions as the wooden base. This should not cost more than ten cents. Clean the glass thoroughly, and rest it against the top of the stage-front at an angle of about 60° ([Fig. 3]). Next take a picture postcard, and lay it on the wooden base between the end of the glass and the stage front. (See B, [Fig. 3].)
If the room now be darkened, and a bright light thrown upon the postcard, its reflection will be clearly visible on the glass, and to those looking through the stage front it will appear exactly similar to the view projected upon a screen by a small magic lantern.
Should the reflection be at all lopsided, the angle of the glass must be altered until this defect is remedied. A block of wood, or an ordinary cigar-box, must then be placed upon the wooden base with its edge along the glass, and nailed securely in position. (See A, [Fig. 4].)
Fig. 4.—Showing position of picture postcard and glass screen.
Three pieces of cardboard are the next requisites. One piece is to be glued to the block of wood or cigar box at the back of the show; the other along one side, and the last over the top, as depicted in [Fig. 4]. It is now necessary to slide out the glass and paint the whole of the interior dead black.
Fig. 5.—Lighting apparatus with serrated shutter.