American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1926)

September, 1926 AMERICAN CINE M ATOGR APHER Twenty-one Cinematographer Is Key Factor In Film's Success, Says Writer By Joseph L. Kelly Jerome N. Wilson, well-known author, regards the cinematographer as the most valuable ally which the writer may have in transferring a scenario to the screen. Wilson, who, it is reported, has just sold to First National the original story, "It Could Have Happened," which will be a forthcoming Colleen Moore starring vehicle, is a pioneer screen author, having more than a decade ago written, at the outbreak of the great war, the renowned screen story, "Sweetheart of the Doomed," which, starring Louise Glaum, was one of the first of the late Thomas H. Ince's outstanding photoplays. He is also author of "Dum Dums," which was produced on the New York stage, "Under the Skin," "Sunshine Harbor," and other stories. Writer's Creation "The world recognizes," Wilson states concerning the cinematographer, "that the writer of screen plays 'starts something' when he creates a story that eventually is to serve as entertainment for millions of people. But he cannot finish his job without the help of many aides in the course of the production of a motion picture. There is no factor in film making which has more to do with giving the finished product a life-like touch than the man behind the camera. It is a well established fact that the cinematographer can make or break, not only the author, his story and its director, but the players as well. Author's Efforts "An author can turn from his typewriter the most marvelous of dramatic incidents; he can picture Elysian fields as backgrounds for these incidents; the technical director can duplicate these fields in all their grandeur and beauty, but if the cinematographer doesn't picture them with the finesse that is his, the Elysian fields may as well be a cow-pasture that has run to weeds instead of clover. Emphasized Art "Ask yourself the question: 'Why did Douglas Fairbanks place such emphasis on the cinematographer's art in giving to the screen his 'The Black Pirate'?' And why do you hear so many people exclaiming when this picture is mentioned : 'The photography and its color are simply marvelous'? There is only one answer to that question — 'the cinematographer'." Announcing a new price, now made possible by increasing interin this Remarkable Speed Lens We also make RADAR Anastigmat (M. P.) as well as RADAR Telephoto Anastigmat F:5.6 and a complete line of high-grade cameras and lenses for the still studio. Write for our complete catalogue. UNDLACH-MANHATTAN OPTICAL CO. 900 Olinton So., Rochester, N. T. Subscribe to American Cinematographer 4 in. Iris Combination and Sunshade Trueball Tripod Head FRED HOEFNER Cinema and Experimental Work 5319 Santa Monica Blvd. (rear) GLadstone 0243 Los Angeles, Cal. SCHEIBE'S PHOTO-FILTER SPECIALTIES Are now popular from coast to coast, and in some foreign countries. If my many varieties do not always fill the bill, tell me your wants and I will make them on special order. Always at your service. GEO. H. SCHEIBE 1636 Lemoyne St. DUnkirk 4975 Los Angeles, Cal. FOR. HENT BELL HOWELL AND AKELEY CAMERAS With or Without Cameramen SEIDEN CAMERA EXCHANGE 729 Seventh Ave. N.Y.c. Bryant 3951 Wire us for any New York Scenes you may need Prices Reasonable CLUBBING OFFEB Subscribed for separately. Camera Craft and the American Cinematographer will cost a total of $4.50 oer year. As a special clubbing offer, both maqazines may be had at a total price of $3.40 oer year. American Cinematographer 1219 20 2122 Guaranty Bldq. Hollywood, Calif.