The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1913)

THE Broscore, NOVEMBER 27, 1913. forces with a rare appreciation of the beauties of the score, an orchestra of thirty-eight rendered excerpts from the greatest of Wagnerian tone poems. The scenes were appropriately followed, and it is some time since we heard so perfect a piece of synchronism. The settings employed are really superb, there are some fine illusions, notably the appearance of the sacred dove, and the magic mirror, and the whole cannot but be classed as a triumph of photography. Parsifal’s temptations, and his battles are given at just the nght length, and, as the gentleman whose introductory speech was so notable remarked, we were just left at the end ‘‘ asking for more.” Wherever possible, the picture should be accompanied by Wagner’s music, which, al though still copyright, can be arranged for by those booking, and by a full orchestra of etncient performers. In such pictures as these we have an all-powerful argument ayvainst the diminishing minority who still, at times, decry the picture theatre, and as we said, such a film should be presented with full orchestra, or, at least, a worthy accompaniment, and the fact well advertised. We have now many theatr-s de luxe, and here we have, once more, a film de luxe which is worthy of any first-class place of amusement. Messrs. Films, Limited, ask us to correct a statement which appeared in our Ulster correspondent’s report last week, to the effect that the company are about to open permanent halls in Monaghan, Limavady, and Kilrea. Messrs. Films, Limited, are not proprietors of, nor have they at any time owned, picture halls, and we very gladly acknowledve the mistake, and hasten to extend our apologies: Apparently the last has not been heard of the restrictions imposed on cinema licences by the Middlesex County Council—that picture theatres shall be closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Sundays. At to-day’s (Thursday) meeting of the Middlesex County Council, it is stated on the agenda that a letter has been received, and will be considered, from Messrs. Alfred Harris and Co., solicitors, on the subject of Sunday opening. Mr. Davidson informs us that Boroid, Limited, have already signed contracts for the future supply of their film stock to various French houses, owing to the attitude adopted by the Prefect of Police in Paris, reported :n our issue last week. There was an interesting and informative article in last Monday’s Daily A/ail on ‘ Kinema Prices and Profits,’’ by Mr. Langford Reed, the Kinemacolor publicity manager. Mr. Reed also contriby an ole article last Google 813 week to The Daily Citizen, his subject in this case being ‘ Defying Death for the Cinema.” Ile justly prophesies in the latter that “‘ unexavverated sentiment and real humour will win every time against blood and thunder melodrama and knock-out butfoonery.” Mr. P. Kimberley, the managing director for VThanhouser Iilms, Limited, informs us that the Company will commence operations shortly in their new London premises, at roo, Charing Cross Road, W.C., where the ** Thanhouser ”’ and ‘' Princess’ releases will be located and worked in conjunction with the American Corporation. ‘‘ Princess’”’ films, it is said, are a special new brand, and will feature the Thanhouser ‘* Kids.” This week, Mr. Archie Brown, well known in the Trade, has gone into the Provinces on a revular weekly ‘‘ round,” and will carry all the releases of the new concern. An advance copy of “ Thanhouser Topics” to hand, is a well printed and edited Itttle circular. geet ts Sate! Monsieur R. Plaissetty, head of the Parisian manufacturing firm, R. Plaissetty et Cie., arrived in London on Friday for a week-end visit. bringing with him a remarkable detective drama. Ile departed again on Tuesday, havinv disposed of his film in a very satisfactory manner. Ilere’s to our next meeting! Qn the northern heights of [ondon, in the buildines of the Alexandra Palace. are to be found the studios of the Union Film Publishing Company, who have been in occupation some three or four months. The siudios are situate on the Muswell Hill side of the Palace, and are splendidly arranged as regards lighting. A perfect net work of are lamps suspends from the roof, and side lighting adds to the general effect. The cut-door studio is on the side of a steep slope, and in an ideal situation. It 1s interesting to note that following on the enterprise of the Company, negotiations are being made, by other film companies, for sinnlar accommodation at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Paul If. Cromelin has resigned his posttion as managing director of Thomas A. Edtson, Limited. Mr. Norman H. Smith, who has been connected with the Trade for some time, and who was recently at Seliy’s, has now joined Messrs. R. Prieur and Co., Limited, as publicity manager. That he has already been busy is proved by the appearance of a magnificent souvenir booklet, dealing with ‘‘ A Prisoner im the Harem,’ the first Blaché Feature Film. This booklet is one of the most atiractive pro ductions of the kind one has seen, and Mr. Smith is to be congratulated on an excellent piece of work,