Motography (1912)

July 20. 1912. MOTOGRAPHY 59 costly for their enterprise. The boldest adventurers, the wisest scientists, the cunningest craftsmen — all are impressed into the service of the moving-picture man that the world may stand at his elbow and witness his wonders. And in corner stones in a thousand places are being deposited films that may be resurrected in the ages yet to come that future generations may see our modern life as we see it out of our windows — as we might have seen the building of the pyramids. But to produce all this involves millions of dollars of good money and thousands of alert intellects. Just as an illustration, the Selig Polyscope Company alone has, almost in the heart of Chicago, a plant that amazes one. There, dav by day, in its arena are enacted its army of men and beasts the comedies and tragedies of the past and present, the tremendous feats of the hour, the anticipations of great things yet to come. Months are often spent in the perfecting of a single film, and no man or no beast is too mighty for the whirring picture machine to catch his every movement. For good and for bad, the moving picture in its perfect portrayal of things as they are will do more in the future to mould the sentiment of this earth than any one other modern miricle. A thousand years from now man will read history not from the books of opinionated and often misinformed historians, but from the moving, living life as seen through the unimpassioned eye of the camera. Verily, wonders will never cease. Current Educational Releases Tex Da's s With a Fleet of U. S. Battleships. — Edison. This film, the product of a ten days cruise with a fleet of United States battleships, is one which is both instructive and entertaining, as it depicts the daily routine of sailor life aboard ship and the scenes cover the entire ship, above and below, and from stern to stern. The views include drills, which are always interesting and attractive to all, inspection of arms, sending a semaphore message, and sentencing delinquents to punishment. An imposing view is one in which the captain addresses his officers and crew assembled on the quarter deck, and it also gives a fair conception of the number on board. Xot only does this film disseminate a knowledge of the life and customs of our sailors, and an idea of the vastness of these floating fortresses, but the scenic effect is equally of interest. One scene pictures the sun shining on the water making a brilliant network over the ocean in dancing shadows of black and gold through which the fleet sails, forming a picturesque background with the ships like a silhouette against the sky. Another shows a flock of sea gulls hovering over the water in quest of food, some skimming along on the surface and others riding on the crest of the swelling waves. London. — C. G. P. C. A comprehensive, entertaining, interesting, and instructive film of the largest city in the world, showing its public buildings, picturesque streets, its historic piles, etc. Winter Landscapes in Finland. — C. G. P. C. A series of beautiful winter scenes, showing snow-clad mountains, villages and trees. Printing and Engraving U. S. Government Stamps. — Imp. An illustration of the process of making United States postage and commercial stamps, as done at the Washington Bureau of Engraving. Washington, D. C. showing the various processes, such as, printing, perforating, cutting, etc. Luxor and Thebes Egypt. — Eclair. A beautiful travelogue showing the splendid ruins of the past civilization. The temples of Luxor and Thebes; the gigantic tombstones of Ptolomey and the Pharaohs, and the colossal statues of Memnon, all make a very interesting picture. Views of the Valley. — Powers. Xo river surpasses the Hudson in beauty and picturesqueness, and these views give one a good conception of the many famous historical spots, and of its wonderful natural scenery. The Pa'isades, the Revolutionary landmarks, many modern summer resorts and homes are included in the picture. It will prove highly interesting to those who have never visited the scenes and to those who have it will bring many a happy remembrance. The Isle of Strife, Cuba. — Comet. A number of views showing the most interesting historical points, including Morrro Castle and Havana harbor. The largest sugar plantation in the world is shown in full operation, giving the complete process of manufacture from the raw material in the canefield to the finished product ready for the market, and numerous other interesting and instructive views. The Pelican. — Reliance, history subject. An interesting natural Missionaries in Darkest Africa. — Kalem. In this remarkable production, every scene of which was taken there, we are given glimpses of the "Dark Continent." We are shown the real life of a native tribe and are made to realize in a measure, the bravery of an American missionary in facing the perils of a savage country. Through Saskatchewan. — Eclipse. This delightful little travelogue takes us a journey by rail through the southwestern part of Canada and gives us an excellent view of the country. Studies of Fish Life. — Eclipse. An intensely interesting as well as instructive subject, showing many of the lower forms of fish life, such as: pipe fish, sea urchin, pectern, pollack, swimming crabs, lug worm, brittle stars, the octopus, and many others. Among the Bedouins. — Eclair. A series of well selected views showing life among the Arabs in the desert regions of Africa. Making Photoplays in Egypt. — Kalem. Egypt among most ancient of lands, noted for its many monuments, never fails to interest and this film is no exception to the general rule as it enables one to spend an entire day in the heart of this distant land. The spectator not only gains some idea of the country, but also of the difficulties which must be overcome in order that