American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1931)

July, 1931 AMERICAN CINEMATOCRAPHER Forty-one Camera Studies (Continued from Page 37) beaten paths, while the coyotes and other larger animals hide during the daytime, but try to keep one awake at night. High volcanic peaks and jagged rock formations, displaying various tints of red, brown, and purple, surround the lower plains of this desert country and create the impression that one is in the crater of an enormous extinct volcano. Dry river beds cut deep into the surface, and in the distance the wide, but shallow Salt River rushes its swift waters towards the West. There are several extensive lakes hidden in these mountains. Their placid indigo-blue waters reflect a perfect image of the surrounding landscape and the everchanging sky above. Whoever thinks that only a blue heaven and fleecy white clouds can be found in Arizona at this time of the year, is mistaken. True enough, it is often real hot in the desert under the merciless sun rays, but before the day is over an entire change may have taken place. The sun may be wholly obscured by heavy clouds during the afternoon, only to burst through them again at the end of the day into one of the most gorgeous and colorful sunsets you ever saw. One never knows what the weather has in store out here. The next morning may not reveal a single cloud, but towards noon the sky is already covered with them, leaving big patches of blue in between. Then, while you are waiting for a sunset, the clouds get heavier and menacing. Suddenly a flash of lightning, a warning from the Cods to men and beasts to seek shelter; and before the thunder-noise has ceased hail stones begin to fall all around, only to be followed a few minutes later by rain drops of equally enormous size. Wet to the skin we hurried with our cameras to the camp from which we emerged an hour later again on our quest for the majestic fadeout of the setting sun. However, thunder storms were raging all around us, and lightning was flashing in all directions. A beautiful spectacle which lasted for hours! The sunset was drawing close but drowned totally in the rainswalls on the western horizon. There we could see the rain pouring from the sky. Flash after flash split the approaching clouds. We counted at least a dozen separate storms along the surrounding mountains. From all sides they seemed to rush in on us. We tried to catch the chain-lightnings (as they went down) in our cameras. Nearer and nearer they came till the flash and the thunder appeared to be simultaneous. The first drops fell and urged us to leave the mesa for our safer camping ground. None too soon we arrived there; just in time to save our film and belongings from the deluge by the cloudburst. The downpour lasted several hours, and cooled off the atmosphere and refreshed the soil! Brighter than ever the sun rose the next morning, brighter looked the earth; and the pure air filled with fragrance from the desert plants was a tonic for the system and a revelation of nature. Filmo Topics AMATEUR movie makers will find much of interest in the /\ July issue of Bell & Howell's interesting little magazine, Filmo Topics. This will be mailed free if you write to the Bell & Howell Company, 1843 Larchmont Ave., Chicago. The contents for July follow. On the Tyranny of One's Elders — The story of an infant's revenge. Plots for Child Movies — Some ideas which will help you turn out films of the youngsters which everyone will enjoy. When, Why, and How to Use Color Filters. Filmo News Pictorial. Seasonable Hints. Questions and Answers. HUGO MEYER p T„ /HE Cinematographer who discriminates in favor of the best, finds enduring satisfaction in Hugo Meyer Lenses, for he appreciates their careful calculation, precise construction and complete correction. We shall be pleased to send a booklet upon request. TT HUGO MEYER & CO. 245 W. 55th St., New York Works: Coerlitz, Germany New British 3-Color Process ANEW British three-color process, known as the SpicerDufay system, was demonstrated recently at the Royal Society headquarters in London. Pictures taken by this process may be photographed in the ordinary way, without special apparatus, and projected over all standard equipments, it is claimed. Cost of the color film, it is said, will be slightly higher than black and white. GOERZ In the manufacture of Coerz Cine Lenses, conscientious and intelligent application is displayed in each successive process — from the careful selection of the optical glass used to the last ultimate polish and adjustments of the lens elements. A new cutaloa (AC 6) listinq the complete line of Coerz Lenses and accessories will be wailed on request. CRGOERZ AMERICAN OPTICAL CO. 317 EAST 34™ ST. NEW YORK CITY