Visual Education (Jan 1923-Dec 1924)

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February, 19 2 3 41 managing editor for the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, and later production manager for Famous Players-Lasky British Producers, Ltd., in London. To Develop Good Citizenship The general purpose of the new corporation is well expressed in some recent remarks by the President, Mr. Day: Among men and women who teach there seems to be no doubt whatever of the value of the screen as a means of enhancing instruction, provided that films are definitely and intelligently planned to impart instruction and to stimulate the student to further effort of his own. Apart from the teaching profession (and distinct from the theatrical world) there seems to be a strong demand for good motion-picture films. Projector manufacturers report that orders for projectors are coming in steadily from non-theatrical customers, notwithstanding the scarcity and inadequacy of existing films. They are of an opinion that, if an abundance of good films were available, the demand for projectors, not only from schools but from churches, community centers, industrial plants a.id others, would soon be far greater. The screen as a medium for education appears to be no longer on trial. Its power and efficiency are admitted. It is a fact, however, that while the non-theatrical motion picture is gaining ground daily, only a small percentage of the institutions of the country are employing this medium of instruction owing to the unorganized condition of the non-theatrical field up to the present time. But this field has at least been scratched, and as a result the seed has taken root. It is the hope of The Chronicles of America Picture Corporation that its pictures will prove to be of real value in the development of patriotism and good citizenship. Of course, good citizenship means intelligent citizenship. In order to know where we are now and where we are going, we must know where we have come from and what has happened to us on the way. History is experience handed down. A physician must have the history of his case before he can diagnose it intelligently. A lawyer must be thoroughly grounded in the precedents which make up the law in any case he is handling. In the same way a citizen, to be a good citizen, must know the experience of his nation in order that he may form intelligent opinions. The galvanic power of the screen, its power to arouse and stimulate the faculties, whether rightly or wrongly used, has never been disputed. It is now proposed to apply this power to American history, studied hitherto through the medium of the written word alone. The "Columbus" and "Jamestown" Units Two plays have been produced that exemplify the purposes which inspire this venture. After prolonged introductory research, conducted chiefly by Mr. Arthur Edwin Krows, who also undertook the initial steps in forming a staff of scenario writers, two continuities were prepared upon which work IN JAMESTOWN To attempt the reproduction of the first permanent English settlement in the New World is to undertake the solution of countless minor problems of detail that are nevertheless vital to the quality of the picture. There is an air of "realness" to this scene that distinguishes it from the ordinary movie "set." You feel that this is how Jamestown must have looked — not that Jamestown has been made to look like this to fit it to the needs of the play. POCAHONTAS AND POWHATAN Dolores Cassinelli visualizes the Indian princess, daughter of the chief of the Chickahominy tribe, who qualifies as the heroine of the first American romance. The same skilled player is seen as Queen Isabella in the "Columbus" film. was speedily begun. These were "Columbus" and "Jamestown." And now it became apparent that the rendering of history in visual terms is no easy matter. The historian, with his printed page, can easily evade many of the innumerable small details which may be passed over without affecting the truth of what is stated. But the picture-maker is, through the nature of his medium, unable to keep silent upon these minute points. He has to speak and, therefore, he has to speak with authority, or at least with the highest degree of probability. To illustrate : How were the houses constructed in that little town on the banks of the James which was the beginning of the settlement of the United States? The research that has been expended to answer this question is voluminous. An extensive correspondence drew forth the views of noted students, especially those Virginia historians who were recognized authorities in this field. Dr. Lyon G. Tyler, Mr. W. G. Stannard, and other eminent Virginians contributed their advice. Bit by bit, one way and another, the known facts