CHAPTER II.
SOME REMARKABLE STAGES, ANCIENT AND MODERN.
AN ELECTRIC CURTAIN.
We present an [engraving] of the electric drop scene of the Comédie Française, at Paris. The curtain is held by five ropes, a, which pass over pulleys, o, at the upper part, and wind round a wooden drum, B, to which motion is given in one direction or the other in order to cause the curtain to rise or descend. Such motion is obtained by the aid of a belt connected with an electrical shunt motor, F; a counterpoise, D, held by a rope which passes around a drum, assures an equilibrium at every point. It is an easy matter to maneuver the curtain by means of the motor, the curtain being raised as required. Three different velocities in descent and two in ascent are obtained. The maximum velocity of descent is five feet per second, the medium is three feet six inches, and minimum is three feet five inches. The velocities of ascent are respectively two and one-half and three and one-half feet per second. This was, we believe, the pioneer of all theater curtains which were worked by electricity. There have been many since.
ELECTRIC DROP SCENE OF THE
COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE.
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