The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1913)

hate a errant tet A a THE Broscore, NOVEMBER 27, 1913. ls TRADE TOPICS. Mr. Joe Brandt, of thes Trans-Atlantic Film Company, Limited, who came among us a very few months ago an almost entire stranger, bade farewell to a large number of friends on Wednesday last before starting for the Continent. MR. JOE BRANDT. Mr. Brandt, who is paying a hurried visit to Berlin, Vienna, and other cities, then sails for the States. He will, however, return to this country in March next, accompanied by Mrs. Brandt and his little boy. A farewell dinner was held at the Boulogne Restaurant, and was quite of an informal nature. Mr J. Tippett, managing director of the TransAtlantic Company, occupied the chair, and he was supported by several well-known members of the Trade. Many warm tributes were paid to Mr. Brandt, who, in reply, said that he looked upon his visit as one of the most pleasant and happy periods of his life, and he hoped shortly to renew his friendship with the members of the English Trade. We had the pleasure last week of enjoying a brief chat with that distinguished and famous producer, Dr. P. A. Gariazzo, the art director of the Savoia Company. The Savoia Company now possess two studios, he told us, one at Turin and one at Rome, in which two companies are constantly at work. They have sixty artistes on their regular pay roll, and innumerable “supers” are, of course, engaged in addition, from time to time, as occasion demands. Dr. Gariazzo most emphatically does not believe in long films, and Digitized by Go gle considers that we shall return to two-reel pic: tures next year as an average. Dr. Gariazzo is especially interested in the musical side of the cinematograph theatre. “In time,” he said, ‘‘special music will be composed for all films of any importance, to synchronisd perfectly with the action, to complete the idea of the latter, and to carry it out in sound. Music in the picture theatre ought to symbolise the ideas of the authors of the films, not merely to give a splashing of sound effects. Producers will learn to look to composers to help them complete the meaning of their plays. Wagner's operas are an excellent example of what I mean. There the audience is transported into a perfect realm of imagination, partly by the stage picture and partly by the music. I consider music to be an essential—and indispensable—part of the picture play, and I think the latter to be incomplete without it.” Dr. Gariazzo informed us that the Savoia Company have two very big things coming along shortly. One will be a wonderful spectacular production dealing with the Battle of Leipzig. A thousand soldiers and twenty guns were employed to make what, we are told, are the biggest battle scenes ever witnessed in a film. The New Majestic Company, of 5, Gerrard Street, W., gave a very excellent dinner to a few friends on the rgth inst., at the Villa Villa Restaurant. Among those present, were Mr. T. E. Davis (in the chair), general European manager of the New Majestic, Messrs. A. E. Mainwaring, H. K. Armstrong, F. A. Bracher, A. M. J. Woolham, S. T. J. Padmore-King, E. O. Clayton, and F. Blake. A very enjoyable evening was spent, and the toast of the New Majestic was honoured with great enthusiasm. Messrs. Harma and Co. inform us that they have taken over the premises at present in the occupation of the American Company (Flying A Films)—and who, as we have stated, are removing to 193, Wardour Street, W.—as from Monday next, December 1st. The new firm, whose managing director is Mr. W. Dewhirst Walker —the founder and late managing director of the Safety’ Bioscope Company—will deal in exclusive films, the first of which, ‘The Tango Dancer’s’ Revenge,” will be on show to the Trade Press on Tuesday, December 2nd, to the ordinary lay Press on Wednesday, the ‘3rd, and to exhibitors and the Trade generally on the 4th and following days. Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY