Motography (Apr-Dec 1911)

232 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. VI, No. 5, Review of the Paris Garrison. — Pathe. A military scene of a stirring character. (135 feet.) Making Artificial Flowers. — C. G. P. C. A film which is as pretty as the product of the subject's labor. (321 feet.) The Birth of a Flower. — C. G. P. C. This remarkable picture opens with a scene in a greenhouse where a florist is potting a small chrysanthemum. How it is done is shown very plainly, and any one who loves flowers will greatly benefit by the few scenes which act as an introduction to the actual theme of the picture. The scenes following show the plant stretching its stalks and leaves to the sunshine and the swelling of the buds of the flowers, the opening of the petals at the center of the bud and the elongation of the petals of the flower after it has opened. Showing in two minutes on the screen ten days in nature; produces a picture never to be forgotten. (610 feet.) Icebergs Off the Coast of Labrador. — Edison. A picture which shows the peculiar and fantastic forms taken by these giant icebergs. In the background appears the rugged coast of Labrador. These icebergs vary in height from fifty to two hundred feet and in each case the part below the water is about four times as great as the visible portion. The largest one shown in the concluding scene is estimated to weigh over half a million tons. This film is unique and interesting. (340 feet.) A Day at West Point. — Edison. Here we see the making of an army officer, showing that from dawn to darkness there is scarcely a moment's pause in the arduous work, or a minute's relaxation from discipline. Drills in all branches of the service are shown, the light artillery, with its galloping horses and rumbling cannon, being the most spectacular. The most impressive scene shows the corps on parade, being reviewed by Admiral Togo, whose personality adds largely to the interest. (1000 feet.) Seeing Indianapolis. — Selig. Another good sightseeing film. (500 feet.) The Caves of La Jolla. — American. As good as an actual trip to the caves. (150 feet.) Lake Garda. — Eclair. A picturesque lake in Italy well shown. (185 feet.) Field Day Sport at Ft. Riley. — Champion. At no time has a better representation of Uncle Sam's military prowess been shown than in this picture of the Kansas troops. (950 feet.) The REARiy of Pheasants. — Itala. An attractive film which shows how pheasants are cared for, from the egg to the marketable bird. Some pretty scenes are shown. First Mail by Aeroplane. — Powers. A picture showing the first letter and the first mail pouch ever carried in an aeroplane as a regular government carrier. A U. S. postoffice was officially opened at each end of the aviation course at Garden City, Long Island. The mail was collected, cancelled, and given to Capt. Beck, the aviator, who started on his way with the pouch of mail. The flights are clearly shown. The Y. M. C. A. — Edison. Depicting a typical day at the summer training school of the Y. M. C. A. at Lake George, N. Y. (400 feet.) A Few Moments with SteepleJack Lindholm. — Imp. One of the pictures shows the climber swaying in the air thirty-six stories above the pavement. Other views show him swaying on other staffs at equally dangerous altitudes. (200 feet.) Mobilization of the American Fleet. — Powers. Some very interesting views of the American fleet that was recently reviewed by President Taft. The film shows views of the new Utah taken in the Brooklyn navy yard. Near views of many of the other ships are also shown. Life at the Bottom of the Sea. — Eclair. Revealing a world of mystery, hitherto unknown to most of us. The film shows us the intimate life of the lobster and crab, some curious fishes, the temporary tenants of empty shells, the sea spider, the Midas turtle, water caterpillars and the wonderful Japanese fish. Pictures in Playgrounds Winnipeg, the progressive Canadian city, has been trying the experiment of giving moving picture entertainments in the municipal play grounds. The city has thirteen play grounds and the innovation has proved so popular that a much more extensive programme is being planned for next year. The pictures used were mainly educational. The programmes were put on every night the past summer until all the play grounds were visited. No admission fee was charged. The performance was advertised in advance and the children were urged to bring parents. The audiences, in consequence, were invariably large and enthusiastic. In the beginning a few pictures were devoted to illustrations from the various play grounds. Subsequent pictures related to the dangers of insanitary dairies, the problem of tuberculosis and the fly pest. Interspersed were occasional humorous films. A few specimen legends thrown on the screen were as follows : "This playground is conducted by the City Playground Commission. They conduct thirteen play grounds during July and August. "These play grounds are free. They aim to make strong bodies, keen minds and good citizens. "Trained directors on each ground teach games, athletics, gymnastics, folk dances and fair play in everything. "The school buildings and grounds belong to you. Protect your property against injury. "Fresh air and sunlight are the best safeguards against disease. Keep your windows open day and night." Winnipeg claims to be the first city to use motion pictures in the play grounds as a medium for educating the public. Other cities have given occasional entertainments of the kind, but Winnipeg is the only municipality known to have carried out a systematized programme. As a factor for spreading the propaganda of sanitation the picture show at the play ground seems to be worthy of general adoption and it is not probable that Winnipeg will long enjoy a monopoly of that particular variety of educational campaign.