American cinematographer (Nov 1921-Jan 1922)

THE AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER December 1, 1921 cpa ns an d TiltS % VHILIP H. WHITMAN — + THE BALL With the announcement that our third annual ball is to be held at the Ambassador Hotel on February 4th next, comes the news that Arthur Edeson, Beau Brummell of the A. S. C, will again act as chairman of the ball committee. A real big, splendid event, outdoing all of our previous efforts is now assured. ON THE JOB Just to show the zeal of one of our officers we want to relate that Bill Foster attended the last meeting of the society despite the fact that he broke a spring on his Studebaker speed wagon and had to walk. WELCOME At the last regular meeting of the A. S. C, Mr. Bert Cann, latest addition to the ranks of the Society, was introduced to the members who gave him a rousing welcome. We're glad to have you one of us, Bert. HARD LUCK Reggie Lyons is back from an extended location trip to Tulsa, Okla., bringing with him a trunk full of dividend paying oil stocks, a new Marmon car, a lot of glad rags and a big smile. We don't blame you for smiling, Reggie. Has it ever happened to you? A recent experience by the writer causes him to again take his pen in hand. BROKEN ENCHANTMENT Seated in a show While outside it rains, With music playing low The picture entertains. See the shifting scenes Changing one by one, Each with drama teems, Action is well done. Watch the villain there Gain the upper hand, Girl is in despair — Isn't she just grand? Now the hero's here Everything he's braved, Note the villain's leer — Will the girl be saved? I brush aside a tear For I must clearly see; Oh, Lord! What's that I hear? There's talking back of me. Oh, I could take the life Of someone in the crowd Who's reading to his wife, The titles all aloud. And so I leave the show, Face the beating rain, I really had to go Ere I became profane. PAGE MR. BURBANK If anyone thinks that a camera is any good without film, we refer him to President Fred Jackman, who thought to pluck a few thousand feet from off the film trees up in Big Creek. Upon arriving at that location, to his consternation, he found that the trees were not bearing this year. Why not try growing it in a hothouse, Jack? PERTINENT PARAGRAPH A scene on the film is worth two in the script. As Time Goes On Each day brings with it its own idea. Always there is some new angle to the game for the cameraman, something he can learn or some new equipment that opens up a new field. It is most essential that the expert learn these things as they come up, or that they acquire any new device that may lead to better results or more efficient production. More and more, like all big industries, that of motion pictures is getting to a consideration of maximum production at less cost and, on the cameraman, to a very great extent, depends the success of the producer. Therefore it is easy to see the importance of knowledge and equipment. Mr. K. W. Thalhammer has for the past five years maintained an experimental station at 550 South Figueroa street in which he has brought to perfection several articles of the greatest merit. The Vigneting Iris was first conceived by Mr. Thalhammer, and there is hardly a cameraman in the field today but knows the wonderful service and sturdiness of the device that bears his name. He has recently placed on the market the Thalhammer Model A tripod which promises to be the greatest boon to cameramen, as there is no chance of the leg clamps slipping. It has a special range head that allows the picture to be taken straight overhead or directly underneath the camera. There are some who doubt the advantage of shooting straight up in the air; however, everything in pictures is conceded to be better when taken in the most natural way. Now, suppose it were desired to take a picture of a man looking through a hole in the ceiling — the same view as that of a person looking straight up at this man. Of course, this could be faked, but would it not be better to get the natural picture? On the other hand, fancy getting a picture from this hole in the ceiling straight down on a banquet table. These are merely two cases where this range head would make life worth living to the cameraman. There are many more if you will stop and think of the many similar situations in which you yourself have been. To cap the real efficiency of the Thalhammer Tripod it is equipped with hinged claw feet that allow it to be set up on any kind of a surface, or in any possible position without the least fear of slipping. Take it all in all this new device of Mr. Thalhammer's is really a winner as is evidenced by the hearty approval of those who are the proud owners of it. From such owners of these tripods as the Tom Mix Company, Charlie Stumar and Alvin Wyckoff, of Lasky, there are coming recommendations that have caused the Thalhammer shop to work at full capacity for some time to come. The Harvey Motion Picture Exposure Meter is just what has been needed so long by cameramen. . . . It is accurate and complete, touching upon all the necessary points. I recommend its use to all cameramen and students of motion picture photography.—W. H. DERR. JR., Motion Picture Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pa. Harvey Motion Picture Exposure Meter Endorsed by leading Cameramen $2.00— Your dealer, or G. L. HARVEY 105 S. Dearborn St. Chicago CAMERAS REPAIRED Accurate Work and Prompt Service CALIFORNIA CAMERA HOSPITAL J. W. Peterson, Proprietor O. T. Johnson Building. Los Angeles, Calif. Phone Broadway 7610 Established ten years