The Moving Picture World (November 1907)

576 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD. the organs would adjust themselves automatically to ex- press the thoughts and emotions. The old statement, which is so common, viz.: "She does not put enough feel- ing into the song," is true, but it practically tells nothing and is of little or nO value to the singer. If the people who are singing for the public would do more study in phrasing their sentences that would give them a much keener realization of the story, they would use very much better voice and their singing would be more acceptable. This was illustrated by the young lady in Chicago who a few years ago sang the "Holy City" each day for many weeks, at a large salary, while her singing was not artistic in the least. Yet she was imbued with the story and made others feel it also. Most people labor under the erroneous impression that this comprehension can only be attained by a long period of study. If they observe the effect upon the mind of an accident or of great joy they will comprehend that the mind can grasp at once, permanently. The study which • brings this result is the most effective, hence the im- portant thing is a plan of study which will so impress the mind. ' Several persons have tested this claim and found that they can so impress the mind that by doing the thing once the result attained is permanent. VOICE. The question asises, in view of the fact ; stated above^ "What is the necessity for the study of voice culture?" (i) Few, if any, are thoroughly imbued with the sub- ject or story. (2) There is the universal habit of produc- ing imperfect voice; hence, a scientific knowledge of voice production aids materially in producing true voice, while the lack of such knowledge causes nervousness or embarrassment, which prevents interpretation in a large degree. A scientific knowledge of voice production can only be attained by the study and application of Nature's laws. The effect of true voice is very noticeable as we listen to the voices of others in an adjoining room, even where the words are not heard; how quickly we can de- termine by the quality of the voices whether the indi- viduals are joyful or angry. Until singers fully com- prehend the story or do assume the normal mental mood the study of voice is absolutely essential. The claim that developed voice can only come from a development of the vocal organs has been proven to be an error, for numer- ous cases of invalids and people who have had weak voices all their lives have by a change of the mental at- titude made the voice vigorous and musical in one minute.. The study of Nature's laws is one of the best means for establishing this in the mind. The fact that these laws have not been studied in the past is the principal reason why so many years' work have been necessary in gaining control of the voice. The application of law de- pends entirely upon the concentration, analysis and asser- tion of the student. INTERPRETATION. Interpretation is a result of certain causes, a clear un- derstanding may be obtained by a careful analysis of the causes. The principal causes are diction, and the kind of voices used; as the author has prepared the diction. About all that is left for the singer is to attend to the best use of the voice. To illustrate, the effect of good voice control upon the mind may be shown with a mere repetition of the alphabet. Wherein the speaker expresses poise and repose,- earnestness, intense decision, anger, love hope and joy. When all of these effects are produced by simply re- peating the alphabet a set of words, or a number of numerals, die effect of voice control is made plain. The fact that this can be done by almost anyone, with a very little study, proves that the correct concept is the essen- tial thing. * If it can be done with a jumble of words, how much easier it may be done with sentences which portray life. In fact, a very effective plan of study may be enjoyed by following up this idea to its conclusion. After re- peating a set of words to express several emotions, the same words may be applied to a melody and sung, with a view of expressing the same variety of thoughts as re- sulted from speaking the words. Thus the thing which is a sealed book to most people becomes plain and simple. and the old statement, 1. $., "Nothing is difficult which we know," is verified. > Pursuing the study of interpretation with this plan will cause great mental activity; hence, the conscious ness is awakened in a few minutes, as much as it would be by weeks or months of the ordinary study. The consciousness is often awakened rapidly by a com parison of various methods. 1 ' Wv>V'l v.. -....- FRENCH NOTES. Particulars of the arrangement by which Messrs. Pathe Freres have granted the exhibition monopoly of their subjects to a number of companies, each serving a special district, are con t.-lined in a recent, issue of the Phono-Cine" Gazette. The lease is granted for twenty .years, and covers France and Switzerland, and in these countries Pathe'subjects are controlled exclusively by the concessionaires. The advantages are, as pointed out, that Pathes have a certain market for their films, and can concentrate the whole of their energies on manufacture, while the exhibiting concerns are assured of a supply of films of good quality, awl have a right to use the name Pathe and the famous trade-mark Pathes are paid a rent proportionate to the number of shows given, and participate in the profits. An action is said to be pending, at Marseilles, against a show man who has been using the name Pathe, and refuses to dis continue it. Phono-CinS Gazette also raises the important question, apropo: of the overworking of films, whether the manufacturers have the power to restrict the use of their subjects to a certain nurabei of projections, and answers in the affirmative. It also states that a film comes under the law of literary and artistic property, and that the maker can impose what conditions as to its use hi pleases. It would be a good thing if this power were used, t films are undoubtedly frequently used for too long a time. It is intended to increase the capital of the Establissment Gau mont by the issue of shares payable in cash. The doubtful character of many film shows is being much dis cussed over here, and it is being urged in several influentia .quarters tbat only such subjects should be shown as will mala the film theater a place of amusement for the family. At presen a father is afraid to take his wife and children, in many cases for fear of the character of the program. It is also urged that I it is necessary to show scenes which it is not desirable childn " should see, the same policy should be adopted as at the theaterj and children refused admission.' This would certainly mean < greater confidence in the film shows, and consequently a greate amount of business. Particular objection is taken to the far that at matinee performances—primarily intended for children- the program is made up of the same passionate love scenes, etc j as at the evening shows. A correspondent of one of the papef* states that he has heard some of the-youngsters shout "Enougr enough," as, some of these subjects were being shown. . The theater managers here are proclaiming that the kinernatO 1 graph has ruined their business, and actors that the living pictu"