British Kinematography (1952)

104 Vol. 21, No. 4 BOOK REVIEWS Books reviewed may he seen in the Society's Library K1NOGERAETETECHNIK. Dr.-Ing. H. Weise, Akademische I erlagsgesellschaft, Geest & Par tig K.-G., Leipzig, CI. Germany, pp. 364, pi. 16 (in German). This is a very comprehensive book and has been written in the form of an encyclopedia on film technique. The volume under review, Part I, deals with 16 mm., 9.5 mm. and 8 mm. film cameras and projectors although the data published in it applies to all types of film and kinematograph equipment. The object of the book is to present the equipment designer and manufacturer with numerous details for the construction of this type of apparatus but, nevertheless, the book is equally suitable for those who have to use the apparatus as well as for dealers and agents handling projection equipment. The book is very detailed and begins with a review of the principles of vision and hearing and the optical illusions used in kinematography. Projection on to the screen, the influence and design of flicker blades and the question of illumination is dealt with extensively. The author goes on to explain the action of Maltese crosses, claw movements and dog beaters, specialised technical and mechanical data being given for sub-standard film cameras, spools, different types of cassettes and motors. The projection of film is dealt with and the different problems of take-up, gear-friction, and gate design are discussed. Various types of spring and electric motors are described and the methods connected with them to obtain constant speed are reviewed. Details regarding lenses and apertures are tabulated and the importance of film footage counters is stressed whilst illustrations of various types of equipment already on the market are included in the book. In addition to all the technical data there is a very extensive bibliography dealing mostly with German publications but there are other references such as to the Journal of the S.M.P. & T.E. Kinogeraetetechnik is a very interesting and comprehensive book and well worth the reading by all serious technicians and designers in the industry and it is to be regretted that only an edition in the German language is available as yet. O. K. Kolb. FILM AND ITS TECHNIQUES. R. Spottiswoode {Member), Fabei & Faber, Ltd.. pp. 516, 42s. Despite an unpretentious cover, this book contains a wealth of both theoretical and practical information on the subject of film-making. Mr. Spottiswoode draws on his experience in the documentary field to present a well-written account of the mechanics and aesthetics of documentary filmproduction. His excursions into the fields of animation and stereoscopy are doubtless based on experiences gained while he supervised the production and exhibition of stereo films at the Festival of Britain Telekinema in 1951. He does not cover the field of feature film production as such, and probably for this reason omits reference to economic aspects of film production, besides some of the latest technical facilities now available in major studios. He does full justice, however, to 16 mm. technique, and although this is considered from the professional angle, the problems of the amateur are not overlooked. 1 found this book rather heavy going unless taken in small portions. The style is serious and somewhat lacking in humour. Treated as a work of reference, however, it should rank as a welcome addition to the literature. The scope of the book extends from script to screen and contains an extensive glossary of terms used in film-making. An interesting chapter on possible future developments leads the reader on to rather treacherous ground in the author's appraisal of the use of television cameras in film studios. This is a subject which has not yet been treated dispassionately. Mr. Spottiswoode would render the film industry a service by treating this subject in a future edition with more of the objectivity which characterises the rest of this excellent book. ROBFRT L. HOULT. MANUAL OF NARROW-GAUGE CINEMATOGRAPHY. Arthur Pereira, F.R.P.S. (Member), Fountain Press, Ltd., pp. 514, 275. 6d. This book is a revised and enlarged edition of " The Manual of Sub-Standard Cinematography," published in 1949 which was, quite rightly, very well reviewed. The recent publication has lost none of the value of its predecessor and is, in fact, an improvement in a number of respects. The book is divided into three parts, which is rather unfortunate because it does nothing more than draw attention to the difficulty of grouping the art of kinematography under three distinct headings. Part one is headed " The Technique " and covers film stock, the camera, photometry and sensitometry, exposure, colour, and then, although rather out of place, stereoscopic relief on projection. This is followed by studio lighting, sound-recording, and finally back to the camera with a section on microscopy, photomicrography and other forms of scientific kinematography. Part two, headed " Artistic Realisation " deals with the theme, the script, shooting, special effects, editing, titles and finally with a section on animated cartoons. Part three " The Laboratory " deals only for a third of its length with laboratory matters and then goes on to the projector, projection, and finally music for silent films which seems to have little connection with the laboratory. How long one can go on adding to an existing publication so as to bring it up to date remains to be