The Curzon Community Cinema, est. 1912
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
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Curzon Collection: 35 mm Simplex 35mm with Monarc lamp


Simplex Standard PROJECTOR SERIAL No. 43005
with BROCKLISS MONARC Arc Lamp Ser. No. 670.
Western Electric Sound Head type 1B Ser/No.703 A
Western Electric 709D Drive Universal Base

This projector, manufactured by the International Projector Corp. of New York carries a patent for July 11th. 1916. It is certainly an 'add on' projector the head being older than the sound unit.

The projector is complete with a Control Box which can be seen by the side. The projector operation was through this control box, which was placed usually in front of the machine, for both starting and stopping the projector. (see pedal & box). Simplex were a very popular projector and a second one is in the Curzon Collection in a different set-up. The actual date of this projector is not known nor is its history of installation. Many however were still to be found in independents up and down the country until quite late in the last millennium. A unique feature was the method of stopping the projector which is explained on the pedal & box page.

The BROCKLISS MONARC Arc Lamp is the one often found with the Simplex projector in British cinemas A simple but effective arc lamp by a well respected British manufacturer. This however is not an original for this projector.


Control Box

The Simplex Standard was started and stopped through the CONTROL BOX and not on the projector as most conventional machines. The box was usually placed ahead of the projector. When switched on the speed built up gradually and one had to be sure threading was spot on for the projector could not be brought to a stand simply by switching off at the Control Box.

Brake Pedal

This pedal can be seen to the left of the Control Box and was an attachment fitted to the Universal Base. The projector would be switched off from the control box but to bring it to the idle position the brake pedal had to be used which would apply pressure on to the flywheel on the non-operating side of the projector (not visible).

The Curzon Collection would like to hear from any projectionist who has experience of operating these projectors.


The compact picture head of the Simplex Standard which was enclosed by a glazed door. This compactness however presents not so easy threading until much practice has been gained. Seemingly a feature of most Simplex projectors. A more interesting view of the projector is on the reverse side where the large flywheel, drive motor and gearbox with its flexible drive are mounted.