Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

12 MOVING PICTURE AGE January, 1922 in these are several views of Fujiyama, both from a distance and at various points on the mountain-side, including a body of pilgrims struggling up the steep slope and a wearied but happy pilgrim leaning on his staff and looking down upon the clouds below. In the Underwood set are several real scenic gems which never fail to obtain the close attention of the pupils for their unusual beauty. Realistic Knowledge of Surface Features Our text states that a large part of Japan is volcanic, with numerous active volcanoes. The half-dozen views taken at various points on the sides of two of the largest volcanoes drive this home as no bare statement would. Clouds of rolling smoke and gases almost at the feet of a little group of excited Japanese peering down into the crater tell this story far more vividly than mere words. The Underwood set has several spectacular views of this type, and the most apathetic class never fails to be aroused by these views. Industrial Life of the People With the surface features of the country established, the natural responses in the lives of the people follow as a matter of course. There is but little land to cultivate, and the people turn to — "Fishing !" fairly shouts a wideawake youngster. So now are portrayed the fishing boats going out from the harbor, the queer nets, the ramshackle houses, a fishing village, fish spread out to dry upon the beach ; and then, the planting, harvesting, and winnowing of rice, with its crude processes and implements ; the growing of tea, the silk industry, the potter and his trade, and so on. (Continued on page 28) COMMUNITY FILMS Mrs. E. B. Wilson Chairman, Community Motion Pictures, Jefferson, Iowa SINCE the appearance of my brief article in the November issue of Moving Picture Age, I have received communications from many different states and some from Canada, and since most of these letters ask practically the same questions about our community motion pictures, I am going to answer them by means of this article. "Will you tell us about the source of your pictures?" is a leading question. I herewith mention a few pictures which we have used and found entirely satisfactory in every way, with their sources. In making bookings for the future, and we have made them now for nearly nine months, I ■ find it good policy to state to the new houses with which we are making bookings, "When I have tested your pictures and found them thoroughly satisfactory, I will recommend them to other places conducting community motion pictures." Sources of Worthwhile Pictures From the American Red Cross we have secured the followingcombinations for three programs during one year (keep in touch with the latest motion-picture cataloguesof the A. R. C.) : The Knowing Gnome; Mrs. Brown vs. the High Cost of Living; Making the Desert Blossom; Along the Riviera; and Every Swimmer a Lifesaver. Father Knickerbocker's Children; A Call to Service; Before the Doctor Comes; 'Neath Poland's Harvest Skies; and The Land of Dikes. The County Fair; The Boy Scout and His Work; From Jacques to Johnnie; In Florence Nightingale's Footsteps; and The Story of the Orange. For our Thanksgiving program we used five reels of film, and patriotic songs were sung while reels were being changed. For this program we secured from New Era Films "By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them" (2 reels), "The Star Spangled Banner" (3). Their catalogue lists pictures which are absolutely clean and enjoyable. I have secured some very good programs from Fox Film Corporation ; but we must remember this is a theatrical concern* and in some scenes there are objectionable features which should be cut. The following pictures from this concern are good : "The Rainbow Trail," "Live Wires," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Molly and I," and "Girl of My Heart." World Educational Pictures Company supplied these exceptionally fine films : "American Maid" and "Hoosier Romance." I have made many bookings with the Lea-Bel Company for literary productions such as "Rip Van Winkle," "The Melting Pot,"' and "Dombey and Son." When we have "The Battle of Gettysburg" the members of the local G. A. R. are to be our guests. From information found in "1001 Films," the non-theatrical film guidebook compiled by Moving Picture Age, I have written to many sources and finally sifted out what seems best adapted to our needs. The University of Wisconsin, at Madison, sends out a list of pictures for educational and community service ; this listing covers many well-known literary productions, and I have made bookings with this institution. Through our public schools and city library we are directing the reading of our motion-picture patrons in such manner as toinculcate greater appreciation and enjoyment of our programs. One busy woman said to me this week, "I never had time to read 'The Last Days of Pompeii,' 'Julius Caesar,' and other great books, but our community pictures are making me know what they are." After we had shown "Silas Marner," the comments made by persons who had never read the book were most interesting. One laboringman said : "Give us lots of stories like that. It stays with a fellow. I thought of it when I was driving my wagon the next day.". . . . Briefly stated: Desirable films — films on all kinds of subjects — are available, but it takes investigation, reading, careful consideration, good judgment, and some kind of assurance either from some person who has used the picture, or the concern itself, that "in every Way this picture is O: K." Regarding Organization Numerous letters have inquired about our organization. From our experience and the rapid growth in our attendance and interest I believe it is best to conduct your community motion pictures in connection with your school. You should make the school' your community center ; make it do a bigger work than can any one church ; have it take in and interest every religious and other welfare organization in a small town or city. We have found that this plan brings forth the most hearty co-operation of our school board, the school, and the city clubs. Not alone do our community pictures furnish regular entertainment and educational features, but in our city is being fostered a community spirit that no previous project has so splendidly developed. Generally the expression is, "Our community pictures." In various ways we are teaching lessons of fellowship, kindness, appreciation, etc. During the year we plan to put on playlets and one-act dramas,, with three-reel features. On patriotic occasions, Bird Day in the public schools, and at similar times, appropriate film programs are selected. Assistance from Educational Institutions If you live in a state where some or all of its state educational institutions conduct visual-instruction service, you will be able tosecure excellent help from these schools. Charles Roach, Visual Instruction Service, Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Ames, and W. H. Dudley, Bureau of Visual Instruction, University of Wisconsin, Madison, will gladly render any assistance community film workers may need. From these bureaus those who are not experienced in the practical operation of film service may secure practical assistance. One other question is asked in several letters — "What admission do you charge?" We have one price for every program: ten cents for all, child or adult. By careful investigation as to proper rental charges we are able to run our programs and always maintain a good reserve fund. Our attendance is growing and our only worry now is, "What are we going to do for space in the future?" as we now have a crowded house for every program. Let me say to all who are engaged in the promulgation of community film projects : Keep on with your good work. Give it your best thought and ability. Make sacrifices for it. No greater work can be carried on in any community than that of providing the right type of films for adults and young people. Make your community motion pictures the center around which local recreational activities are planned. 'However, as the magazine goes to press comes the announcement that ntioned organization has installed an educational department. — The Editor. Class history at Princeton University is henceforth to be recorded in motion pictures. The idea was initiated by the class of 1921, and the senior class of 1922 has voted to continue the plan. Already 5,000 feet of film has been taken of the Princeton-Harvard and Princeton-Yale football games, the graduation exercises of 1921, and the visits of Dr. Einstein and Marshal Foch.