Pan Am question

The reel-reel movie system was installed on most 747 classics in the early days. On BOAC (and the early years of BA) the projectors was retractable from a roof bin area in the centre isle, and to the right of the upper deck lounge. The screen was a pull-down silvered screen.

Broken film requiring splicing was not common, but I saw happen several times. I was surprised at the diameter of the reels; vast. I assume they were similar to those in the movie houses, as changing them mid-movie was an ordeal. Manual focus required setting at the beginning of each movie.

These systems were replaced in the 70s with various technologies, including the 3 coloured lens projectors. A much lighter and more compact system that had the projecting lens permanently fixed in an overhead bin.

People standing up blocking the view continued to be a problem in these as well.

Only tangentially related, but kind of an interesting factoid….

I have a friend who was a Flight Engineer for many years at the old Blue Ball, and he told me that the original movie system was a continuous loop with a projector in each cabin section. So, you could stand at the back of the airplane and look between the class dividers and see the movie play with a 3-4 second delay on each of the screens. He said the movie film broke ALL THE TIME and the F/E’s and pursers became experts at splicing film.

I am asking on behalf of a bunch of guys who worked for Pan Am for about 20 years, you would think they would remember wouldnt you ! There definitly was some music played apparently .

Thats what happens when you enjoy the in flight adult beverage service too much…..you can’t remember anything!

No no…i was always very responsible…i’ve always lived by “everything in moderation”…the only Airline i can recall playing boarding music was Ansett-ANA back in the sixties

I’ve flown countless miles with Pan Am from back in the sixties right through to their demise…from what i remember i don’t recall hearing any music as such on any Clipper flights!!!

Thats what happens when you enjoy the in flight adult beverage service too much…..you can’t remember anything!

I’ve flown countless miles with Pan Am from back in the sixties right through to their demise…from what i remember i don’t recall hearing any music as such on any Clipper flights!!!