Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1914)

'I HE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 1077 Moving Picture Educator ■iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii THE COLOSSEUM, A SCHOLARLY PICTURE. PICTURES of the Colosseum are exceedingly familiar. The history of the Colosseum is well known. The detailed parts, the interesting secrets, the unwritten, or more especially the unwritable evidences of its departed glory, have never been fully revealed. Thanks to the powers of kinematography and to the ability of Mr. W. Stephen Bush who superintended the taking of the photographs, we liave now a series of pictures issued by the Vero Educational Society the quality of which has never before been attempted. Immediately the pictures are thrown upon the screen, one realizes that they are the work of a scholar intended for scholars. There are no sweeping views, no generalizations with elaborate platitudes to make up for brevity and a "comic" thrown in to fill the reel. Four reels in length give the first evidences that a work of no mean order is assured. Every part of the vast structure is explored and depicted, indeed, it would not be possible for a visitor to the Colosseum to go into such detail, or to secure such knowledge, as that which is now obtainable by simply looking at these |)ictures. General View ot the Colosseum Interior. The sub-titles also are very exact and helpful, as are also the parts into which the whole work is divided. Following the first general description of the Colosseum as "the greatest structure ever erected by human hands," with its eigiity entrances, and with its seating capacit}^ for eighty thousand people; the building is viewed in its altitude of one hundred and si.xty feet. The architecture of the four stories is described in detail. The columns of each story being of the four following kinds: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Byzantine, again details of these columns, and of others that have been broken and preserved are shown. The various entrances are also shown with there appropriate decorations and inscriptions. These entrances are not usually known in these days as being of a "class distinction." The common people were assigned to the gallery; in front of them came the lower nobility, with the patricians or highest nobility in more honorable places. The Imperial Lodge, and the Lodge reserved for the Vestal Virgins being the most prominent and distinguished places in the amphitheater. Another series of pictures shows how the Colosseum has been saved at various times by different Popes. These repairs, or partial restorations are very interesting, great pains having been taken by the photographers to secure pictures both of the repairs made, as also of the tablets recording the same, giving the nature of the work done, the time, and by whom. Perhaps the newest pictures are those showing the extraordinary and elaborate subterranean cages where the great numbers of animals were keiJt confined far the forthcoming spectacles. The caves and passageways of the gladiators and Christian martyrs and the "passages to death" through which the slain were carried out are all illustrated in full detail. From this brief description it will be seen that a most painstaking study has been made of this "World's wonder." This is not a picture to amuse even the curious, it is one full of interest and learning. Taken under scholarly supervision, its every part speaks knowledge; the student will be glad of its teachings and revelations, because of the realities it gives to these things which were previously left to the imagination of the reader of the descriptive page. Views of Rome as seen from different parts of the Colosseum are shown, as are also views of the Colosseum from different parts of Rome. The makers of this film, in producing a series of pictures depicting "The Glories of Ancient Rome," are rendering valuable aid to educational kinematography. Old though pictures of the Colosseum may be, there have never before been seen such detailed and instructive ones as these now before us. It is safe to say that not a smgle valuable part of the great structure has been omitted, making it a picture of valuable and deep research, for which we are indebted to the makers. If other pictures of this Rome series equal this of the Colosseum, it will be wise to suggest to the Vero Educational Society that the world contains other places of equal interest and importance which awaits their penetrating powers; these are pictures not only for to-day but for the "generations yet to follow." MOTION PICTURES IN THE WORLD'S WORK. From Washington, Pennsylvania, comes the information that a series of University Extension Lectures are being given in the local high school. The important feature, of course, is the use of the moving picture to illustrate the lectures given by Dr. Frederick Poole. The subjects used are Chinese manners and customs showing also their methods of education. The Panama Canal Zone with its wide range of information is included. The local reports say that to see the pictures and to hear the descriptions is a rare privilege. * * * St. Paul, Minnesota— In line with the idea of making moving pictures truly educational as well as entertaining, films are Ijeing shown in the local picture houses illustrating the process of food-making for which Battle Creek, Michigan, is famous. How trained chemists, and food experts, familiar by long experience, bring their knowledge to bear upon the best possible productions, give the people not only interesting pictures, but also teach the value of a better acquaintance with all the conditions pertaining to the health producing qualities of the pure food questions. * * * Moving pictures to "boost" better roads in Ohio is the purpose of the state commissioner of highways. For this purpose films are being prepared showing sections of bad roads, with every stage of improvement, also with materials and methods used. It is hoped thereby to interest farmers and others in a campaign of moving picture education. Films will be furnished to all picture houses undertaking to use them, the result shows many advantages in every wav. * * * In Hastings, Nebraska, the Rev. J. E. Holly has invested $2,000 in an up-to-date moving picture outfit. The reverend gentleman is announced as an experienced traveller, hence, without doubt, bis broad mindedness; he will therefore use many scenics with double profit. A series of sermons and lectures announced, give proof that those favored to hear and see will be benefited. * * * Moving pictures and automobiles are now in partnership. The Pierce-Arrow Motor Co, are using films to demonstrate the powers and capabilities of their machines. Especially in the handling of motor trucks are the pictures most helpful. A passenger car can be demonstrated on any street, but not so with a motor truck. Agents have felt at a loss which the moving picture now removes. This, of course, is not surprising to those who know the picture's powers; they will do almost anything. W. H. J.