The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

April 1955 CINE TECHNICIAN 55 rhythm and form are vitally affected. In considering some widely different films which most successfully attained a stylistic unity of interpretation, one may begin to see what conditions are essential to this unity, what individual refinements of acting it permits, and to what extent general excellence of performance is possible without it." It includes passages like this : " The ill-fitting door is constantly closed by Leo but never repaired, and the action symbolises her satisfaction in the power she wields over the apartment's order. A wrongful emphasis in the presentation of behaviour such as this could easily result in a sterile idiosyncrasy." And this : " Greatest of film performances is Massalitinova as the grandmother who embodies the vibrant ' yes ' to life of the whole work. Her involvement in each situation, her essential ' thereness,' the clarity of her relationships with the others, all have the Tightness of the only possible way. And it is precisely this ultimate perfection which is not attainable without a common unifying method." There are film criticisms crooning such exalted passages as : " In particular, of course, the film's interest lies in its star. Richard Burton is an exceptionally gifted young actor, with a natural integrity, a compelling presence, and a very individual style that contains a brooding concentration and a relaxed confidence; and a constant suggestion of passion in reserve, passion that does not often break directly through." Radicals may frown to think that miners, dockers, farm workers and railwaymen should toil, and that good ale should be taxed, to pay for such precocities. Veteran movie-goers may wonder how Sennett, Griffiths, Chaplin, Flaherty and a few more got along without Sight and Sound. The sensitive may wince at the thought of culture in spats, and others may have spotted some big business interests around the place. All this as it may be. One thing is sure : Sight and Sound owes to the public, to its readers and to the artistic interests it is supposed to promote, a due regard for honesty and accuracy in its reporting. In its treatment of A.C.T.'s attitude to the entry of new recruits ino the film industry Sight and Sound has behaved badly. National Film Theatre TT is sad news to learn that the *■ National Film Theatre, to which our Union is affiliated, is to be pulled down, writes Lewis McLeod. This Theatre has given many people like myself a wonderful opportunity to study and relive the history of the cinema and in particular the programmes on British Documentary. British cinema should continue to have a national home, like the other arts of Theatre, Music and Painting. I am sure the many cultural and concerning union organisations will voice their protest and opinion at such a decision. The very least the Government and L.C.C. could do is to keep the Theatre open until a permanent building is constructed to replace the existing Tele-Kinema. NEW BOOKS Political and Economic Planning, PEP as it is more colloquially known, have issued a new and revised edition of their five studies of Trade Unionism, British Trade Unionism, 16/-. It brings up to date the studies first published some seven years ago, since when much has happened in the Trade Union world, at home and internationally. The book only modestly claims to be a basis on which to build a general discussion of the main spheres of union activity. It is nevertheless very thorough in the general tradition of PEP studies, and is therefore of great value not only to students and Trade Unionists but to all those desirous of knowing the how and why of the Trade Union Movement. G.H.E. An abridged version of Mr. F. Twyman's Prism and Lens Making is now available from publishers Hilger and Watts Ltd., price 24/-. This version of an invaluable textbook for all engaged in or studying optical glassmaking is in a form more suitable than earlier editions for easy reference at the work-bench. From Focal Press come several new titles in the Focal Cine Books series, including : How To Do Tricks (in amateur films), How To Produce Effects, both by Julian Caunter, and Photo Technique, by H. J. Walls. All of these are priced at 7/6 each. CAMERA DIRECTORY The Cine and TV Technicians' Directory for 1955 of Camera Departmental personnel has had a very good response and it will be going to press by the end of April. If any Camera Departmental personnel would like to be included — this being their last opportunity — would they please send their name and address and telephone number, grade and last two companies they worked for, together with a 2/6 Money or Postal Order, which is the charge for insertion, to Morton M. Lewis, c/o Sunset Film Productions Ltd., 77 Dean Street, London, W.l. G.B.I. STORY Darrel Catling writes: Though not perhaps comparable to Hamlet without the Prince, nevertheless, to write the History of G.B.I, without so much as once mentioning the name of my good friend Colin Bell is something I should never have thought I could have done. Still, I did it— so I feel this note is the best way to set the omission right. Now I feel better! May Day Concert On Sunday, May 1st, a Festival Concert is being held at the Adelphi Theatre, at 7.30. The concert is being organised jointly by the British Workers' Sports Association and Reynolds News. Many famous soloists are booked to appear, and programme also includes the Ipswich Co-operative Girls' Choir; and Ken Colyer and his Jazz Band in a programme of ballads and blues. Tickets, priced 10/6, 7/6, 5/and 3/6, can be obtained from B.W.S.A., 2 Soho Square, W.l. CAMERA HIRE NEWMAN-SINCLAIR, Model 'N' {Mirror Shutter) COOKE LENSES, PLUS 24 mm. ANGENIEUX RETROSPECTIVE f22 KINGSTON TRIPOD Also available, fully modified for CINEMASCOPE S. W. SAMUELSON FINchley 1595