Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

April, 1911. MOTOGRAPHY 51 bower of roses where all is tawdry and conventional. The story which is laid in these disreputable nooks is an exciting one, with sharp emotional contrasts that go to make good stuff for drama. And there are spiritual values that raise the action to a high level in spite of its degraded environment. When the hunted Raegen stands ready to brain whoever may be spying in the closet, and the door opens and the little girl appears, so pathetic in her rags and tininess, one readily appreciates the astonishing reaction that takes place in Raegen's mental state, leaving him half dazed. It is one of the most effective bits of silent drama that the screen ever disclosed. The child played her part beautifully. Mr. Ogle, with his knack of sympathy and tenderness toward children, which is doubtless natural and not assumed, played his part of the duet worthily. It was a duet that set the heart strings of the audience vibrating with a gentle harmony. A film of rare merit. The Hero Track Walker. — Kalem. If audiences understand this film they will find it both dramatic and amusing. The end is a complete surprise, and has wit. and some thrills. But it is rather involved, and the sub-titles are phrased ambiguously, so that some people are liable to miss the point. The acting is capable, and the leading lady's pretty face left its usual agreeable impression. Of Interest to the Trade "Hamlet The Great Northern film, "Hamlet," a scene from which adorns our front cover, is a remarkable film in many ways. To be fully appreciated, however, the film must be approached in a rather unusual frame of mind. One must realize that the story loses much by the absence of the spoken word, of which Shakespeare was such a master. To offset this loss, the film has the advantage of natural scenery and settings, such as would be impossible to secure on any stage in the world. To say that this gain overcomes the loss would be folly, but it is no stretch of the truth to say that this presentation of "Hamlet" is one of the most remarkable films of recent manufacture. The reel consists of 1,000 feet, and practically all of the great tragedy is included in this length. It required great skill to produce such a long play in 1,000 feet, but it has been done, and in a manner that is most successful. The thread of the story is at all times visible and easily followed, and the loss of length is fully compensated for by the clarity of the plot and the rapidity of action. In acting, the film is unusually satisfactory. Stop and think a moment and the reason for this should be clear. "Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark," produced in Denmark and by Danish actors. That is a combination that should produce unusual results, and it does. Hamlet is portrayed with a full understanding that would be worthy of any stage. The other characters are handled with an ease that speaks well for the ability of the actors and adds mightily to the interest and value of the film. In setting and scenery it would be impossible to improve in any way. Shakespeare wrote the story around the Castle of Cronenburg, in Denmark, and it is on precisely these grounds that the picture was taken. It is in this particular feature that motography far outshines any other form of theatrical enterprise. Here is a production of "Hamlet" produced among the actual settings spoken of in the play. The old castle and graveyard are actually there, faithful in every detail. What an opportunity for educational results this offers! To secure permission to use this exact site, a royal warrant was necessary, yet this work was held in such high esteem by the authorities of Denmark that not only was permission quickly forthcoming, but the present King of Denmark took the trouble to be present at the making of the picture. Elsinor, the Castle of Cronenburg, is a beautiful spot, and the resulting scenes are not only true in that they are authentic, but they are beautiful to look upon. In photography the production is excellent, and the details of costume and accoutrement are worked out with commendable fidelity. The producing of such a work is a true benefit to the industry of motography. The subject has been done once or twice before, but then, the play itself has had many different presentations and is well worthy of every earnest endeavor. To produce it as the Great Northern people have done, is indeed a worthy effort, and much praise is due them for this work. To the student of Shakespeare it offers an .opportunity to study the original ground, and to the average moving picture spectator it presents a chance to see one of the great plays of the world presented in a scrupulous and worthy manner. New York Letter The most marked changes of recent days have taken place among the film exchanges. The Hudson has been bought by the Western Film Exchange group, and will probably be moved to larger quarters in a very short time. It is also believed that the General Film Company has bought out Marcus Loew's exchange, the 'People's." The independent exchanges in Philadelphia have effected a combination that bids fair to work out very favorably for all concerned, and it is quite probable that the Paramount, of Washington, will move further south, probably to Jacksonville, Fla. All of this should be interesting to the exhibitor, because every change in the exchange situation is of vital importance to the renting side of the film industry. As a matter of fact, exhibitors do not pay enough attention to the exchange situation, and some day this lack of attention is going to be felt sadly in certain quarters. As probably everybody knows, some two weeks ago there was a disastrous fire near Washington Square, that caused the death of 145 persons, most of whom were working girls. The whole city has been