The art of sound pictures (1930)

1^2 THE ART OF SOUND PICTURES mixed with a little dominance, to overwhelming dominance, mixed with a little compliance. c. A film producer reads in Variety of the first successful box office returns of a rival producer’s picture, called Girls and Gods. He immediately feels a desire for a similar box-office success. He shows it thus; First, he presses a call button on his desk. A stenographer enters. He orders her to summon the story editor. He talks eagerly with the story editor, telling him to get a story as nearly like Girls and Gods as possible. He pounds his desk and insists on quick action. Then follows a long series of actions on the part of the producer, which may last intermittently over several months. He calls up a story editor. He summons writers. He signs contracts with directors and producers. He consults with studio critics, actors, and executives. He communicates with his sales department and his publicity men. At last, the picture is ready for release. The producer arranges a stupendous premiere. He makes personal efforts to induce all the screen celebrities to attend. He spends a great deal of money in advertising and other attendant arrangements. The opening night is a success. The box-office returns of the picture are big all over the country. The end of desire is obtained. Every action and facial expression throughout this extended series of acts, showing eagerness, aggressiveness, and purposeful action toward obtaining the object of desire, expresses both of the elements of the compound desire emotion. II. Physiological Expressions In the combination of physiological expressions of desire, the bodily symptoms of dominance prevail throughout, though modified decreasingly by the bodily symptoms of compliance. B. Subtle Behavior I. Illustrations a. Facial expressions showing eagerness, longing, purposive seeking of the desired object, and involuntary direction of attention toward the desired object all con