British Kinematography (1951)

32 BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPHY Vol. 18, No. 1 BOOK REVIEW Books reviewed may be seen in the Society's Library SPOTLIGHT ON FILMS. By Egon Larsen. Max Parrish S Co., Ltd. 15s. net. The newcomer to film production, the serious amateur kinematographer and those engaged in other branches of the industry, will find much to interest them in this book, and to acquaint them with the mechanics and techniques of the studio. That Ealing is used as the yardstick I find far from a disadvantage, as this studio is known throughout the industry as well run, economic and efficient. So although other organisations have equally good methods and differ slightly from time to time, we shall have no serious quarrel with the production procedures outlined. The book staris with an historical introduction, proceeds to a very thorough breakdown of production matters, profusely illustrated, and ends with a chapter called " You and the Film." Egon X-arsen is not apparently pro-American, as Hollywood comes in for some rough handling. We learn about some interesting features of U.S.S.R. methods. " Spotlight on Films " concludes with a glossary of technical terms. The purist will argue about some of its definitions, but in the main there is little with which to disagree. All in all, one can recommend the book, and it should find a place as a reference book on the procedures of film production. T. S. Lyndon-Haynes. PERSONAL NEWS of MEMBERS Members are urged to keep their fellow members conversant with their activities through the medium of British Kinematography G. W. Ashton and B. Honri have been elected Associate members of the Royal Photographic Society. P. H. Bastie, a founder member of the Society, and for many years Hon. Treasurer, attained his eightieth birthday on January 19. A. P. Castellain is in hospital due to heart trouble. A. Challinor is in charge of the combined home and export department of G. B. Kalee, Ltd. H. E. Dance, of the Ministry of Education, has been transferred to staff inspector of engineering. W. B. Dean is leaving the Brookfield Cinema, Poynton, and plans to live in' North Wales in semi-retirement. F. A. Hoare has been appointed one of the three new Governors of the British Film Institute. K. B. Hartley has been re-elected Hon. Treasurer of the Kine. Section of the Royal Photograph Society. Rex B. Hartley is in charge of the newly formed Motion Picture Section of the G.E.C. R. Liddell has become Chief Engineer at Columbia Ribbon and Carbon Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Charles Vinten has just returned from a business trip to South Africa. The following deaths are noted with regret : FRANK ALEXANDER BEAKE (Associate) OLIVER GLOVER (Member) ALBERT HENRY ROSS (Member) FRANCIS ALEXANDER THOMASSIN (Associate) DINNER DANCE Members who desire to attend the Dinnerdance taking place at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, on Wednesday, April 4th, should apply for tickets, price 37s. 6d. each, as soon as possible. PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT Required, Sound Engineer, thoroughly conversant in 35 mm. and 16 mm. equipment, installations and repairs, etc., to take a lucrative job in India for a well-established concern importing American and Continental Projection Equipments. Apply Box 6068, The British Kinematograph Society, 117, Piccadilly, London, W.l. Small announcements will be accepted from Members and Associates. Rate, 4d. per word, plus 2s. for Box No. if required (except for Situations Wanted). Trade advertisements, other than situations Vacant, not accepted. BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPHY Your last year's copies of this Journal (Volume 16 and 17) can be bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering, price 17s. (Ml. A limited number of bound volumes for 1949 (Volumes 14 and 15) are still in stock, and bound volumes for 1950 (Volumes 16 and 17) will be available, price £2 12s. Gd.