Reel and Slide (Mar-Dec 1918)

REEL and SLIDE Kangaroo, Mice and Coyote In New Motion Picture Two reels of unusual bird and animal pictures have been filmed by the Universal Film Companj (New York) under the supervision of William L. Finlej-, superintendent of the Oregon State Fish and Game Commission. The title of the first reel is, "Taming Wild Birds," and the second, "Wild Birds and Animals at Home." In this picture it is shown how the gardener may depend upon birds to keep insects from destroying his crops, also how some children raised a family of young bluebirds; how the birds bathe, and how they live. That birds are easily tamed, and that they are timid because they have been persecuted is shown in this interesting picture. Close-ups of the bob white in its nest, and the owl family at home are clearly shown. In this section the owl eating his dinner, ■which happens to be a white mouse, is a feature. Other creatures filmed are the kangaroo rat, coyote, raccoon and skunk. ''Better Films'' Educator's Work Reel Shows Songbirds of France i <rpt !HE Songbirds of France" is the title of an interesting educational reel issued by Pathe. The home life of the birds, what they eat, how they eat it, various close-ups of the birds in action, make up a pretty and instructive addition to any program. (From pamphlet issued by Friendly House, Davenport, Iowa.) Hf\VE you heard that some time motion pictures would help you to make things clear? Have you done anything more than wish for that blessed day? The producers of motion pictures have done their part. The men who conduct picture theaters have tried out educational reels and done their part. The public who look only for emotional jags and a chance to laugh will have none of the seriousness of mental improvement. Surely not ! As well expect them to storm the public library for the non-fiction or invade the school buildings to pore over the text-books gathered there. A picture with a lesson is the opportunity for those whose business is to teach. If the motion picture is ever to brighten and deepen instruction in American class rooms the initiative must come from the teachers who control the situation. They must arrange for motion picture producers an adjutant curriculum of visual instruction, determine the classification and sequence which will make the individual creations of motion picture producers educational and specify the subjects which will bring this rapid instruction in line with the psychology of mental development. This is scientific work for which teachers are fitted by training and experience. It is their field. It cannot be expected that a producer of pictures, skillful as he may be in the technique of his calling, could undertake the fabrication of a course of study with its due proportion of the subjects which give knowledge and power. This is the schoolmaster's job. He has done it for the education of books. No one who teaches school believes that pictures can supplant books in American school rooms. The mastery of many groups of ideas is possible only through review and drill, but when allowed to do so, cinematography will fill an important educational field all its own, subordinate, but immensely valuable. Films to Japan and China EACH week Chicago ships, from one studio alone, over 10,000 feet of feature, serial and educational film to Japan and China. This same company has also signed contracts for Russia, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Portugal for film aggregating 75,000 feet of positive film each week. The Kalem Travelogs THE Kalem Company, 235 W. Twentythird street. New York City, are releasing a series of high-grade travelog reels, especially adapted for use in churches, schools, and colleges. One of these, on Rome, is of particular interest just now when Italy is playing such an important role in the European war. The Vatican, panoramic view of the St. Angelo Castle and the river Tiber figure in this reel, as well as the famous Swiss Guards. The Capuchinian Monastery, the Brunco Market and the old Colosseum are also depicted. ) hi rf^ ^ J Hv^.^nK'V m > >^i ■' '■^'■|^ u. [} ' SBp IWff', ' .— — ■Sk I ^ mf..^ Kwm f^W'-^"— . w ^x^'l W^ p*r-. wm^.'?^ m'tnt jr^^ The Atlas Educational Film Company ANNOUNCE A "HELP WIN THE WAR" Series of Films on Agricuitural and Animal Husbandry POULTRY RAISING DAIRY INDUSTRY MODERN FARMING STORY OF TWO PIGS STORY OF SHEEP DOMESTIC ANIMALS OF U. S. CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF HOG CHOLERA The above subjects are ready now — other subjects in preparation. Specialists in furnishing films to meet the needs of schools, community centers, clubs, churches, etc. Affiliated with the Better Films Clearing House, furnishing only "approved" films — clean, wholesome dramas and comedies with no objectionable features. Write for complete film catalog — complete line of Projectors and accessories. ATLAS EDUCATIONAL FILM CO., 63 E. Adams St., Chicago, III. I'lease say, "As advertised , in REEL and SLIDE," when you write to advertisers.