The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Among the Magazines 233 ■till responsibility for its actions and in- dentions. i We admire the move. We shall give it iflr best wishes and anything else we can. It should mean much for the churches and mean a long step toward bringing the mo- tion picture to a decent destiny. The Christian Herald deserves the support of the country at large in its ambitious effort "to clean up the screen and provide the a little for the schools. Its success will best possible films for religious purposes. Ohio Better Film Interests to Form State Organization AT the first session of the Ohio Motion Picture Convention held in Cleveland, October 6th and fth, under the auspices of the Cleveland Cinema Club, steps were taken toward the formation of a state-wide organiza- tion, to make more effective the work of the 140 different groups throughout Ohio how actively interested in the Better Film movement. On the organization committee, announced at a later session, r re live members from various sections of the state who are to perfect and pre- sent plans. Mrs. Elmer G. Derr, presi- dent of the Cleveland Cinema Club, is chairman. It is especially appropriate that such a state-wide organization should start as an outgrowth of the activities of the Cleveland club, one of the pioneer organizations which has been active in the field for about nine years, and whose influence extends far beyond the limits of the state of Ohio. The convention assumed the nature of i "get-together" conference of various in- terests concerned in the film business, both from the theatrical and educational ingles. In addition to delegates from /arious organizations throughout the state there were also present representa- tives from the National Board of Review, with whom the Cleveland Cinema Club is affiliated, the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, various producers and exchanges. Mr. W. D. McGuire of Xew York, chairman of the National Committee for Better Films of the National Board of Review, struck the keynote of the move- ment in declaring that a new spirit in production and exhibition of films is be- coming evident. Pictures, which first ap- pealed for their novelty, regardless of their worth, are now considered on the plane of the lecture platform and the legitimate theatre. Inherent value is be- coming the deciding factor in judging screen productions, the public must dis- criminate among the pictures shown, and declare for the best in screen presenta- tions, if the movie as a legitimate form of art is to advance. The exhibitors' point of view was pre- sented by Samuel Bullock, State Or- ganizer, Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, who declared that the ex- hibitors in general are waiting for con- structive suggestions and stand ready to cooperate. Mr. M. J. O'Toole, Chairman Commit- tee on Public Service, Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, brought a stirring assurance that the theatre owner? are willing to go more than half way to establish connections that will advance the cause of motion pictures. His advice to the Better Film interests is, "Make the theatre a motion picture community center. No agency for public informa- tion except the newspaper compares with it. Take advantage of this instru- mentality at your disposal to further the ideals of good government and to better the conditions of your community." The non-theatrical use of motion pic- tures, particularly industrial reels, was outlined by Mr. George J. Zehrung, Di- rector of Motion Picture Bureau, Inter-