Amateur Cine World (March 1936)

(Continued from previous page) by this shot, the hands of the clock being, of course, in different: positions. The result is a dull sameness and, by reason of the repetition, undue attention is focussed on the time lapse, which is just what the author wished to avoid. There is no point in our knowing the specific hour at which the events take place. One way of getting over the difficulty would have been to have matched shots Enlargement from gold medal 8mm. plate, wine being poured into a glass and film by R. W. S. when possible—a full plate and an empty water being poured into baby’s collapsible Parris. bath, and so on. A number of other films based on Christmas festivities were received. They weré all interesting but were, in the main, photographic records and as such were more interesting to the family circle than to outsiders. The makers had, as it were, adopted the role of historian, not commentator. One ingenious idea was the featuring of Christmas presents instead of people, but the idea rather petered out so that we had only a series of still pictures. Matched Shots The story films featuring the family (i.e., the film drama or comedy in which the family acted a part, instead of being merely themselves) were, on the whole, not so successful as the less ambitious efforts. One such film, however, got into the prize list. This was ‘‘ The Family” by Mr. Smith, a 9.5 mm. production, although, paradoxically enough, the story was in the nature of an interpolation and was quite unnecessary to the main plot. It opens with a shot of factory buildings being burnt down, a model apparently having been used, but to excellent effect. The scene fades out to.a flicker of flame and when the next scene fades in, it is seen that this flame comes from a match with which a man is lighting a cigarette. The matching is beautifully done. Going Down ! At the breakfast table the man Enlargement from reads a copy of Amateur Cine and 16mm. film by E. oe ; ; J. Martin, ‘““Amaexpresses his intention of entering eee oes; : teur Cine’’ gold for ‘ Film the Family’ competimedalist. PROBLEMS of tion. Wife reads newspaper, sees news of factory blaze. It is her husband’s firm. Deep depression. ‘‘Has Daddy lost the sweep again ?”’ asks small girl, noting the gloom. The family decide to go out, taking the cine camera with them, but just as they reach the door, the telephone bell rings. Husband answers. It is his brother speaking. Brother says he has read of fire, offers job in his works, which is accepted after doubts as to relations agreeing in business have been quelled. Then, after this prelude, which has really nothing to do with the main plot, which is the taking of a film for the competition, the family go out picnicking, are joined by sister and brother-in-law and the gathering filmed. Neat Wipes Later we see the film being projected at home, the foreground being apparently a still picture of the family looking on. This, like the matching of shots referred to above, is admirably done. Indeed, technically, the film is most creditable. It includes one of the cleanest and neatest fanshaped wipes we have ever seen in an amateur film and another neatly managed wipe, the picture being lifted out bodily, as it were, revealing another picture underneath. The film is made up into a parcel, and husband and wife drink to its success, while a drawing of a medal on which is super-imposed “ £15,” expresses their hopes. Now had the man’s brother not offered him a job the “‘ fire’ plot might conceivably have had some point, because, it might be argued, the prize might have helped a little towards recouping the empty exchequer, although we are afraid it would not have staved off the big bad wolf for long. Faulty construction robbed this film of a major award just as it did a film by last year’s 16mm. prize winner, Mr. R. Voller, who has now migrated to 8 mm. His film dealt with Guy Fawkes day, the preparations for it and the actual night. The credit titles were beautifully done, 558