Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1921)

28 MOVING PICTURE AGE January, 1921 "In the Days of Saint Patrick" Present-day politics are ignored; but times and manners are faithfully reproduced in this unbiased story of the life of Ireland's Patron Saint Reviewed by Moving Picture Age ONLY a few years ago it would have been little short of folly to produce a six reel moving picture having for its theme the life of a saint. The cinema art has, however, advanced rapidly and the value of moving pictures in church and school work can no longer be denied. "In the Days of Saint Patrick" is the name of the film story of the life of a great saint produced recently by Norman Whitten, and now being distributed for non-theatrical use only in the United States by Matre's Library of Films, 76 W. Lake Street, Chicago. Nothing in the nature of propaganda or politics enters into this picture. It is the story of the life of the Apostle of Ireland, simply and reverently told, photographed in Ireland among the scenes in which he lived and worked. For this reason its appeal is not solely to people of Irish nationality and extraction. It will be found a valuable and interesting lesson for all who admire virtue and zeal in spiritual endeavor. Although the film contains many scenes showing Catholic services and customs, and is thus of most value to Catholic churches and schools, this should not be taken as an indication that it will not be of interest to other film users. Admiration for the virtues of the great Saint is not restricted to Catholics ; and the historical value of the film, the faithfulness with which it adheres to tradition, should make it of interest to all who are students of Irish history. To those who are familiar with the life and the work of Saint Patrick, the story of the film will be familiar. A short review of its principal scenes will prove that history and tradition have been followed throughout. After his birth in Gaul, Patrick's parents beseech the blind Gormias to baptise the infant. Gormias repairs to his well, which has been dry for some time, and prays ; whereupon water gushes forth, with which the priest baptises the infant and cures his own blindness. At ten years of age, Patrick performs his first miracle by making ice burn like firewood in his father's hearth. As a young man Patrick, together with his sister Lupita, is captured by pirates, taken to Ireland and sold into slavery to King Milcho of Dalaradia, the present Province of North Ulster. During the years of his captivity the youth learns the Irish language and comes to love the simple pagan Irish people. This love remains in his heart after his escape and return to Gaul. He therefore enters the monastery presided over by his kinsman Martin, Bishop of Tours. Under the tutelage of the Monk Germanus, Patrick becomes learned in the ways of the Lord and is noted for his piety. While at prayer he is visited by the Angel Victor who informs him that his duty lies back among his beloved Irish. The scene then shifts to Rome where Patrick is consecrated bishop by Pope Celestine and entrusted with the mission of converting Ireland. He returns to that island in the year 432 A. D., is welcomed by Sechen, whose son he takes with him as a disciple, and first begins his work of evangelization among the children. On Slane Hill he lights his Paschal Fire in opposition to the order of King' Laeghaire, the successor of Micho who committed suicide after hearing of Patrick's success as an evangelist. King Laeghaire pursues the bishop with a band of his followers. Patrick comes out to meet them and so moves them by his eloquence that he converts one of the soldiers on the spot. The King is prevailed upon by his wife to allow Patrick to carry on his work in peace. The death of the Saint in the year 493 at the age of 120 years, is shown, followed by scenes of the services held at his burial. A one reel epilogue takes the &•' iw# I ■Hr a L .mil M+i \h ^mwifii "I R [v'u)viM Hl §K BgflBffl j#v -'"Tl When the blind hermit Gormias took the infant Patrick to the dry well, water spouted forth with which the child was Baptised and the holy man's blindness cured The soldiers of King Laeghlre come to destroy Patrick and his followers, but are held by his eloquence and become converts to his teachings