Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1916)

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How They Have Changed 19 of the tremendous upward step which the silent drama has made within a very few years. It is one of the most beautiful theaters ever built in America, and it was erected, for the sole purpose of exhibiting motion pictures. The Strand, however, is not an exception to the rule of devoting great houses to the newer form of amusement, but is rather typical of what is being done all over the country. The progress of the motion picture, measured by the architectural development of the theaters, has a parallel in the history of the advancement of the quality of the productions. This, strangely enough, has its counterpart in the development of the modern stage drama within the last twenty-five years. There are still many who will remember such thrilling stage productions as the Indian dramas, "The Cattle the Continent," and others, in which Buffalo Bill and some of the celebrated scouts appeared. Next there came a deluge of thrillers, depending chiefly upon mechanical ingenuity for their effect: "A Ride for Life," "The Still Alarm," "Ninety and Nine," and others of that ilk, which introduced the fire engine, locomotive, and other startling things in the role of props. Next came the spectacular offerings, military plays that filled the stage with troops and horses. "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," "Shenandoah," and others too numerous to mention held the boards. Then there followed the society dramas, such as "Zaza," "Iris," "Sold," "The Mummy and the Hum Three poses that display "Little Mary's" versatility. Miss Pickford has risen to be the most popular person in the world and has never appeared in a single "thriller"— which is proof enough that the change in pictures has been for the better.