Educational film magazine; (19-)

iren. The optience is left with the question: "Have we a right () weaken or destroy the future of our nation by self-indulgence Inder the plea of personal liberty?" \othing is said or pictured about the action of alcohol on u- kidneys—a serious omission. It is a fact well known to hssicians that over-indulgence in beer, wine, whiskey, and other jlcoholic liquors brings about a degenerate condition of the Sidneys, a fact that should be illustrated in so exhaustive a film 'in this subject. No reference is made in the picture to the great research work gainst alcohol by Dr. Saleeby of London, probably the world's reatest authority on this subject. Quotations from Dr. Saleeby's ritings and perhaps a picture of him should be included. Re- arch work done by Dr. Davenport in the Eugenics Record Office, old Spring Harbor, Long Island, is also given no mention in le film. Dr. Davenport has done valuable anti-alcohol research ork and is deserving of mention. For the use of temperance societies Safeguarding the Nation ill be invaluable. In the school room its mission will be refold, proving an authentic visual instructor in physiology, as ell as instructing students regarding the curse of alcohol. Will- in Jennings Bryan, the Anti-Saloon League of America, the oard of Temperance of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the jientic Temperance Federation, the National Women's Chris- an Temperance Union, and others have given the film their jarty endorsement. Safeguarding the Nation. Produced and distributed by Carter Cinema Pro- icing Corporation, 220 West 42nd Street, New Yorli City. 5 reels. "DEMOCRACY IN EDUCATION" '\EMOCRACY in Education suggests that training the youth of this country to think independently develops faculties hich teach them self-direction, self-appraisal, self-control, and operation. Opening scenes show the hardships and labors of irly American settlers. A reproduction of the original Declara- on of Independence, written by Thomas Jeflferson, appears in le film. Scenes of the republic's development follow, including le American army in the Great War which "made the world safe »r democracy." The picture emphasizes the idea that American public schools ust make democracy safe for the world. This can be accom- lished by developing qualities essential to the individual and the strength and vitality of the nation. The three R's can be taught by methods which result in devel- ping self-direction, self-appraisal, self-control, and cooperation I children, and the school should teach them to use these ;quired qualifications effectively and for worthy purposes. Instruction in handwriting by the Courtis Standard Practice ests develops these qualities and this is shown by a practical sson to a class of grammar school children, in which each lild progresses independently in acquiring the art of writing id is taught to judge and compare his specimens of handwriting ith those of the Courtis Practice Tests, the teacher giving individ- il instruction when it is necessary. Democracy in Education. 2 reels. Distributed by Ford Motor Company, rtroit, Mich., and World Book Company, Yonkers, N. Y. INTERESTING BOOKLET AVAILABLE ■'HE Future of the Cinematograph," a keen analysis and prophetic • forecast, by Charles Frederick Higham, M. P., of interest to all who e looking forward regarding motion pictures, will be sent free to own- s of projection machines if application is made by mail to the Dickens Imcraft, 1540 Broadway, New York City. It is only necessary to sntion the name of your'machine and enclose two cents to cover mail- g- "THE RIGHT WAY" By Dolph Eastman THERE are two ways in which to present a social problem on the motion picture screen: in fiction narrative or edu- cational propaganda. Thomas Mott Osborne, the noted penologist, who introduced radical prison reforms at Sing Sing and the United States Naval Prison at Portsmouth, N. H., has chosen to present his film in the form of a photoplay which, he says, is founded upon fact and not fiction. Be that as it may. The Right of Way is certainly an engrossing melodrama which at the same time carries a definite message of hope and humanitarianism to all who have transgressed the laws of God or man. There are moments when this message seems to be engulfed in thrills and swift-moving action, and there are scenes which would appear objectionable in an ordinary picture of the underworld. But when consideration is given to the fact that Mr. Osborne supervised and stood sponsor for the photoplay and appears in the film as the narrator of the story, the coarseness of such scenes takes on a different aspect and may be regarded as contributing to the underlying motif of the picture. In some respects the film reminds one of the earlier Fox picture. The Honor System, which also dealt with certain phases of the work of the Mutual Welfare League, a voluntary prisoners' organization at Sing Sing. The Right Way sums up in its title the theme which is in the mind of every prison reformer and of every prisoner who has not become "sore" at the world and decided to take out his grudge against society by pursuing a career of crime. It is the wrong way which Mr. Osborne shows the public in this picture, and the straight path is merely hinted at. The inference is obvious, however, even though it may not sink into normal sluggish minds as an immediate reaction to the screen showing. It is sufficient that the film as presented arouses thought and, for a melodrama which possesses most of the elements that appeal to the masses, it has an ethical and pro-social appeal of undeniable power. The electrocution scene should be shortened to a flash, to avoid harrowing details, and it is questionable whether it was necessary to have an innocent man die in the electric chair in order to drive home the author's point. That point would have lost none of its force if "Smiler's" life had been spared at the last moment. The unprovoked crushing of Jimmy's pet rat under his heel by a brutal prison guard might be eliminated without any loss to story or moral. Other cuts may be found necessary by non-theatrical exhibitors after viewing before booking—a step which is advisa- ble. The value of this picture when shown before certain groups is not open to question. Indiscriminate use in schools, churches, clubs, community centers, etc., is not recommended. But handled with discretion and, possibly, shown in connection with a lecture or sermon, the film is a powerful preachment which no educator or clergyman should ignore. The Bight Way. Distributed by Producers Security Corporation, 516 Fifth Avenue, New York City. 6 reels. "THE WHY OF A VOLCANO" 'ipHE causes and effects of volcanic eruptions are clearly and interestingly visualized in this skilful and entertaininjr pro- duction. Realistic and ingenious models and diagrams, devised by H. C. Burnham, are interspersed with real mountaia pictures, the whole story being closely linked up by lucid telling. Animated geological sections are employed to show how the gradually cooling earth shrank and produced mountains, through the fissures of which the molten lava still escapes from the hot 19