The Moving picture world (November 1925-December 1925)

MOVING PICTUJiE WORLD November 7, 1925 ^^Romance and the Ages^^ A Four 'Part Offering, Which Should Appeal Because of Its Novelty — Blending of Music, Colors and Lighting Will Aid in Presenting a Popular Prologue Moving Picture World Present ations — Devised By Colby Harriman WE ARE offering a production novelty which may be termed a presentation serial inasmuch as the story, told in four individual episodes, forms a completed narrative. The idea prompting the creation of such a novelty has been partly technical and partly due to the volume of subject matter which presented itself in the selection of this particular theme. Romance in the various Ages as reflected in the dance and love songs includes compositions from practically the entire category of song and dance. The technical basis is a composite set, by which is meant a setting that "grows," that various units are added each week to the setting of the previous week, not only changing its appearance but resulting in a set of unusual proportions for the final feature. The theme embraces so many periods that to properly tell the story, it is necessary to divide it into four groups, and in dividing the tlieme it has been found that a story or subject can be completely told in one presentation, and at the same time form a link in the chain. The first number represents the primitive period, and this Episode is entitled "DAWN." The general routine should include a brief cycle of aboriginal dances such as the tribal dances of Love and Triumph. The dancing should be primitive in its formations set to a definite rhythm, the sounds being produced either by striking with the cupped hand the bare thighs of the accompanist, or by pounding a hollow log with a club. Add to this some of the tribal chants which can be found in musical selections which were used in connection with the dance ceremonials and especially at the primitive betrothals. A man and a woman, the man a singer and the woman a dancer, should be featured in this number, as the two characters will be used throughout the serial. The balance of the routine is detailed in the specifications following : PLATE 1. A sketch of the setting for the First Episode. The archway in the foreground which is painted in a neutral is highlighted to give the effect of rocks. A ground row with rock top is placed up center and back of the silhouette drop, a distant rock piece is silhouetted. A set rock at extrme right in the foreground and a set tree opposite at left with a foliage border noticeable at the top of the arch complete the setting. PLATE 2. Ground plan for Episode 1 shows the position of the various units of the set and indicates a platform back of the rock profile which is silhouetted on the drop hung in two. The dancers clad in primitive costumes dance in silhouette on the platform. The effect is better as it does not give the character a definite outline. The singers work in front of the silhouette drop. PLATE 3. The basic set which is used for the foreground in all four numbers consists of a cut drop or constructed arch on a frame which is hung in one. Two columnar shells (2) are placed right and left as indi(Continued on next page) G'ROUND "Pu AN -eTi5oi>e oMe \ SiLHoueTTE Drop S^rT>„^,. G-ROOKlD T?r)w — 5if7 Tnee Arch .^•rcm Arc H Cut X)»?of OR CONST«OCT« 5 ARCH Of4 ■3