97 Years Ago
The May 23, 1929 Colorado Transcript reported some unwanted excitement at the Golden Gem movie theater. The previous Friday, during a showing of The Wild Party, starring Clara Bow, the projectionist “heard a snap and looked around in time to see the film flash into fire. In stopping the machine the two reels he was about to place on the other machine caught on fire.”
The article reassuringly stated that projection booths were required by law to be fireproof, “…and even though an explosion occurred there would be no danger to the theater or theater goers.”
However, the article also mentioned that the projectionist had tossed the burning reels out of the booth into the lobby of the theater. Fortunately, it didn't light the rest of the building on fire.
Very little concern was shown among the audience but the show was shut down for the rest of the evening.
Colorado Transcript – May 23, 1929
