Reel Life (Sep 1913 - Mar 1914)

6 Red Life Moving Pictures and Electrical Advertising The unabated popularity of the moving-picture show is rapidly becoming a factor of importance in electrical advertising. By this method, effects previously unseen can be displayed upon the screen and publicity of an absolutely novel kind obtained at a comparatively lo-w cost in proportion to its benefits. Thus, in a reel now being shown upon a noted Eastern vaudeville circuit, the various operating steps in establishing a telephone connection between a Colorado mine and a New York hotel are shown by motion pictures in combination with a map of the United States. The progress of the call through each toll district is shown by an advancing band of light upon the map ; the handling of the switchboards in this connection at Denver, Chicago, Buffalo and New YoTk is displayed in realistic fashion ; and finally, when the conversation has begun it is shown in full-sized views upon the screen and also demonstrated by miniature moving pictures upon the map. Incidentally the display informs the public that $1,000,0000 worth of plant is tied up in such a conversation and before the scene has closed the audience is given an excellent idea of the methods of cable-laying, splicing and other practical tasks which are eyeopeners to the layman. It is significant that this reel called forth a vigorous round of applause from an audience which observed a few moments later an intensely dramatic scene in a picture play by noted actors without a single evidence of enthusiasm. Such applications of the cinematograph are received with keen interest by the public, which in America at least has a penchant for seeing "how things work' in every branch of industry. It would be trite to point out the educational value of such displays or their influence upon the popularization of electrical service. That phase of the matter is practically self-evident. What is desirable is that fresh and new methods of campaigning be developed along with the photographing of routine work, methods which combine graphic displays with pictures and make the relation between plant and consumer more real and direct. The possi bilities along this line in connection with the exhibition of the steps taken in filling a service application, for example, are well worth takng up. The appearance of the prospect at the office of the central station, his signing of the contract, the machinery set in motion to serve him, system diagrams in elementary form and the actual operation of plant, work of line and inside construction forces, and finally, the comforts and low cost of the service can all be set forth effectively. Here is a field in virhich the imagination can be used to help the development of the industry, and we look to see some interesting results along these lines in the near future. The Office-Seeker Some Americans at a Savoy lunch were talking about a confirmed office-seeker. "His little son," said one, "looked up from his history lesson one night and said to his mother : " 'Mother, if anything should happen to the king of England, who would be king ?' " 'The Prince of Wales,' his mother answered. " 'If the Prince of Wales should die, who would be king then?' "The mother hesitated. She stammered something or other. It was plain she didn't really know who would succeed the Prince of Wales. Then the boy interrupted her. " 'Well,' he said, with a sigh, 'anyhow, I hope father won't try for it.' " — Exchange. Mistake Mrs. Vastlee Rich (sentimentally) — "Longfellow says: 'We cannot buy with gold the old associations.' " Vastlee Rich — "Don't you believe it, my dear. When I was in politics I found that cash would purchase the ancientest organization on earth." — Life. f 5 r WrliU "His First Case" A nterican