Marquee (structure)
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A marquee is most commonly a structure placed over the entrance to a hotel, theatre, casino, train station, or similar building. It often has signage stating either the name of the establishment or, in the case of theatres, the play or movie and the artist(s) appearing at that venue. The marquee is sometimes identifiable by a surrounding compound of light bulbs, usually yellow or white, that flash intermittently or as chasing lights.
Etymology
The current usage of the modern English word marquee, that in US English refers specifically to a canopy projecting over the main entrance of a theater, which displays details of the entertainment or performers, was documented in the academic journal
Early examples of the modern use of marquee include
- 1931, The American Mercury: "Marquee, the canopy at the main entrance [of a circus]."
- 1933, Billboard, The marquee of the Rivoli, where Samarang is playing, reads: 'One of the most exciting films ever shown.'
- 1967, The Boston Globe: "British actors mean little on an American movie marquee and Sherlock Holmes always seems old-fashioned."
History
Movie marquee designs in the United States are closely related to the social, political, and economic forces of the 20th century. The invention of the
During World War II, aesthetic considerations of the marquee were dictated by the availability of labor and materials. Building materials such as steel, copper, bronze, and aluminum were limited. Even in the postwar years, these building materials were mostly dedicated to building civilian housing for returning soldiers and their families. Concrete and glass, two building materials that were not restricted, became essential to movie theater architects. Light was also an unrestricted resource for architects, and combined with glass it produced striking visual effects. The mild climate of certain locations, such as the American West Coast, also permitted the use of lightweight materials such as porcelain and plastics in marquees. Another benefit of using light and glass together (besides the dramatic appearance it created) was the economic bonus of it being cheap.[2]
Marquees are also used to illuminate the name of an arcade game at the top of its cabinet.
See also
References
- ^ ""marquee"". dictionary.oed.com.[dead link]
- ^ Valentine, Maggie. The Show Starts on the Sidewalk: An Architectural History of the Movie Theatre, Starring S. Charles Lee. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996.