The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Theatrical Film Critique Conducted by M. F. L. The Educational Screen, designed to represent the best in its particular field of education, ■ been eager to present the theatrical film in an accurate and sincere manner. Throughout the fin six issues this department has presented frank and unbiased opinions of current films from th artistic and technical as well as the educational view point. Whatever of worth a film held, either f direction, acting power, cinematography, and last of all, ethical standard, the departmental editor sougt to make it clear. With the same degree of serious intention, the undesirable was made obvious. FOR the coming school year the same policy will dominate the reviews, with the promised dira statement added to each review to guide the school man in his use of any film. There is, howe^B an added appeal to our readers. The department is very anxious to invite correspondence ■ regard to discussion of any one film, or any phase of the theatrical film in general. All such lettj will be answered personally by the department editor. It is only as such contact can be made with I department's readers that the best results can be attained. THE STORM (Universal-Jewel) It is entirely true that The Storm is ancient material in the matter of violent melodrama and a plot which leaves a girl snowed in for the winter months with two men, the great silent mountain fel- low and the man of the cities. Yet what- ever of triteness the accusation suggests, it is completely lost in two remarkable features. First, there is, omitting the fury of flame and water, very little action in the film. It runs along, a delightfully sincere and easy narrative character sketch. One feels utterly at home in the cabin with its occupants. Second, and above everything else, is the tremendous surprise of Virginia Valli. Not long ago this department remarked that Miss Valli would never be an actress though she was a beautiful and reliable support. The editor is aware that the prophecy has been hugely belied! Miss Valli has her same poise and grace and the sweet sin- cerity of glance that proves attractive to those eager for the beautiful in woman- hood. But she has in The Storm much more. A piquant part she plays with the force and restraint of great acting, promising acting. Good luck to you, Virginia Valli! House Peters and Matt Moore furnish perfect support. (A school and commuity film, although subject to previous censorship by a committee.) GRANDMA'S BOY (Associated Ex hibitors, distributed through Pathe) A warm and delightful film, Hare* Lloyd's first attempt at a feature lengt picture. The fun and tenderness of a J lad who was "Grandma's Boy" mus please the most fastidious and critica mind. We can only hope that Mr. LlcH will maintain the high place he has sc for himself and not degenerate hit futile slapstick as did Charles Chaplii after his immortal Kid. (Excellent fo school and community use.) A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE (Select) Built on the gripping play of Oscal Wilde, this story loses none of its fore transcribed into the medium of the screer Under the exquisite beauty and firmnes of Fay Compton, the story of a womai of no importance in her relation to th man who became a man of no importance furnishes the screen with one of th' year's finest productions. (Not for schoo use. A distinctly theatrical subject.) THE CROSSROADS OF NEW YOR* (First National) A kaleidoscopic reeling of events fun« and otherwise. Just what it is all abou one wonders, and yet one manages 9 have a fairly intriguing if not a jolly tinr out of it. (For theatrical use only.) 238