Motion Picture Magazine (Aug 1914-Jan 1915)

MOTION PICTURE MAGAZINE is needed most? Good plays is the answer to this question. The actors are generally good, and the pictures presented by most film manufacturers are high-class, but good plays are almost as scarce as the molars of a female chicken. This need is recognized by nearly everybody in the business, and you might say — if we were face to face — Yes, but in what way could plays be improved? I answer, give us less of crime, less of the sordid side of human nature, less of fighting, and more of that which appeals to the better impulses, and above all give us real comedy instead of the silly stuff that now goes by that name. Give us plays that are not made merely to create a thrill by some daredevil performance, but plays that are true to human nature as most of us know it, and that are based upon facts. Noises, imitations of the action on the screen, are severely censured by Miss Virginia L. Smith, of 4316 Jackson Boulevard, Chicago: Now that I am a subscriber for the Motion Picture Magazine, I feel that I, too, may write on a subject that has been much abused and that I have not seen written up in the magazine, and something which I think should be sent broad cast thru the land. When people go to the theater, they go to see Moving Pictures, and not to listen to burlesque. I refer to the noises behind the screen. For instance, when a gun is fired, we see the smoke ; simultaneously a gun is fired behind the screen. A drum is beaten in imitation of the exhaust of a locomotive; the striking of iron for the clatter of horses' feet. There is nothing realistic about it. It might appeal to the simple-minded, but it bores intellectual people and people of high ideals. I am a Motion Picture fan and dislike to have a good picture ruined by such nonsense. I have heard numbers of people express themselves on the subject, but they weren't brave enough to write about it. I hope it will soon be abolished. Miss Mattie Lee Stanford, of 311 Eighth Street, Augusta, Ga.. thinks that America and "American" lead the world : 1 have been Thinking of writing to your department for some time, but am not very much on letter writing; however, will try. so here goes: I have read every copy of this magazine except the first, and would have read that if I could have gotten a copy. Every one I read is always better than the one beforehand and if you keep it up You Don t Have to Stop Dancing to Start the Record Over Again When You Use a Rec-Rep (Record-Repeater) Put a Rec-Rep on your Victrola or Columbia and dance without interruption. No sudden stopping of the music — no annoying wait while the recorder is being readjusted. Over and over again the RecRep repeats the Fox Trot, the Maxixe, the Hesitation, or whatever record you may have on the machine. And all without a touch from you. The Rec-Rep (Record-Repeater) is a simple device that can be placed on any machine. It can be used with any sized record — large or small — and on either side of the record. There are no springs — no troublesome joints or hinges. A child can adjust it in a second. It will last as long as the machine itself and cannot possibly injure the record or the machine. Writ? to us for complete information regarding agencies. Send Only $2.00 Send today for the Rec-Rep ^Record-Repeater). Know the joy of dancing without having to stop and start the record over again. Surprise your friends by providing for their pleasure an orchestra that plays as long as they command. ' Send $2.00 today — check, money order, stamps or registered letter — and the RecRep will be sent you prepaid. If you are not more than delighted with it send it back at our expense. Your money will be promptly refunded. Send today so that you will be ready next time your friends drop in. Rec-Rep, Room 1101, 456 Fourth Ave., New York City When answering advertisements kindly mention MOTION PICTURE 3IAGAZINE.