This excerpt from "The Colorado Transcript," of Golden, Colorado was
brought to my attention by friend, Ingrid Gardner, who writes,

> [This] is a little news article about an 'organ' put into our local
> movie theater in Golden (the "Gem Theatre") in 1926 -- this organ also
> doesn't exist anymore.  But it was a curiosity to me because it was
> called a 'Photoplayer.'  To quote the newspaper article:
>
>    "Manager M. W. McFarland has arranged for the installation of the
> largest organ made by the Photoplayer Co., which makes the most
> satisfactory accompaniment for motion pictures that may be obtained.
>    "The Photoplayer is a marvel of most beautiful organ, piano and
> orchestral effects.
>    "Photoplayer music is human and a real satisfaction to critical
> taste and an enjoyment to the little ones.  Perfect tonal qualities
> produce a human artistic performance.  The organ consists of pipes and
> traps for the following effects: Treble, vox mystica, cornet, flute,
> flute d-Abour [sic], viol d'orchestra, bass, viol d'orchestra,
> violincello, quintoton, reed organ and pipes, 65-note range, set of
> orchestra bells, xylophone, bass drum, pistol shots, double cymbal,
> tom-tom, thunder, snare drum, bird whistle, Chinese wood drum,
> triangle, fire gong, cathedral chimes, tambourine, castanets, horses'
> hoofs, klaxon, sleigh-bells, Chinese crash cymbal, steamboat whistle,
> wind siren, locomotive exhaust, automobile exhaust.  With this organ,
> all the desired effects may be obtained and the proper presentation of
> any picture may be accomplished.
>    "With the high class of pictures that Mr. McFarland has under
> contract for the coming spring and summer, the people of Golden are
> secured of the best of entertainment."
>
> Sounds so wonderful, too bad it isn't around anymore. :-)

Robert Linnstaedt

 [  How many of these 'Photoplayer'-brand instruments exist today?
 [  -- Robbie