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Other models for notched films
Pathé's British subsidiary, Pathescope produced two cheaper
projectors in the late 1920s - early 1930s - the Kid and the Imp.
Although incorporating a notched film sensor to halt the film,
they had to be restarted by pressing a lever to re-engage the
mechanism. Unfortunately the Kid was a disaster - it was well
know for scratching film, and was little more that a toy. It was
replace by the Imp (allegedly standing for “Improved”.) This
was somewhat better in performance, but really still fell into
the toy category.
In 1931, the Pathé Lux (Latin for light) was released. These are
a much rarer than the Pathé Baby, mainly due their higher
initial price and the short time they were on the market.
Above, the Kid and below the
They came in two versions, the first used an unstable zinc alloy Imp. Both have “super arms”
for the film path gate section - these occasionally turn up - they fitted.
are fine as a display item but useless for projection. The much
rarer, second version incorporated a nickel plated, pressed brass
gate and remain operational to this day.
These were made in France and were quite expensive, at £21
(UK price). They are a very nice machine and enable the
projection of notched films at their best.
Pathe’s last notched film projector was the Coq-D’or (Golden
Rooster), c. 1935. This machine attempted to combine all 9.5
film formats up to that time. It accepted enclosed cassettes, as
well as 300 ft reels and came as hand turned or motorised. Again,
it would pause on notched films, but had to be restarted by
moving a lever. By conventional standards, it was a weird
machine. Hand turned from the right side and threaded etc. on
the opposite side.
Coq-D’or
The Lux

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