Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Apr 1923-Apr 1924)

Page Twelve __ CANADIAN MOVING PICTURE DIGEST NEW BEDFORD QUAKERSGETOUT HEIRLOOMS‘DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS’ UAINT customs as well as quaint costumes of a century ago are picTuresquely revived in Elmer Clifton’s super photoplay production, “Down to the Sea in Ships,” released as a special feature by the Hodkinson Corporation. The memory of Quaker days in the quiet and peaceful whaling village of New Bedford, Mass., has been conveyed in the silver screen in a series of picturizations which vividly recall the thrills, romance and adventure of the early days of that now rapidly decadent industry, the hunt for whales. Aside from its wholesome heart interest, “Down to the Sea in Ships” will serve as a faithful record for the coming generations of an industry compared with which there has never been a simile. | Garbed in treasured gowns of the long ago, many of them heirlooms handed down through several generations, many of the still prominent Quakeresses of New Bedford lent their aid in providing a realistic setting and background for this picture, unlike anything that has hitherto been produced for the silent drama. Even the quaint, drab though picturesque, meeting house used by the New Bedford Quakers for more than 100 years was utilized, including a faithful reproduction of a Quaker marriage ceremony, presided over by genuine members of the sect, and carried out with all the solemnity with which the service was solemnized since the earliest days of the faith. When Mr. Clifton, with the aid of a coterie of New Bedford citizens, who wished to preserve for all time a faithful reproduction of the industry which put the little Massachusetts port town on the map, reached a decision ‘to produce “Down to the Sea in Ships,” they had little difficulty in persuading the quiet-mannered Quakers to lend their assistance. Treasure chests, long since forgotten, were resurrected from musty and cobwebbed attics and garrets. Gowns, the pride of their wearers in the long ago, were retrieved, quaint little knickknacks and mementos were brought to light and not a single detail overlooked that would aid in providing a most realistic setting for this super-picture. At least one of the Quaker gowns shown in the picture is more than 150 years old. It was worn by the grandmother of the present wearer, who 1s herself more than 80 years of age, and ‘s the identical gown in which she was married three decades ago. Laces, shawls, bonnets, even handkerchiefs, which years and years ago. were the prized possessions of their owners, were introduced. Not only the gentler sex, but likewise the men, stern, haughty and Godfearing, Quakers in every sense of the word, and many of them descendants of the most prominent families who populated the Atlantic coast region of New England in the preceding century, are to be found taking prominent parts in the production. Then, too, there is the old-fashioned one-horse shay and an ancient stage coach which did yeoman service in the late seventies and early eighties, between Boston and New Bedford; these in contrast to the high-powered touring cars and sporty runabouts which are so common in the recent day life of the still quaint community. In the Quaker meeting house the old-time custom of the men occupying one portion of the divided room, and the women the other followed by the joint meeting following the meditation and prayer period, 1s most entertainingly shown. Another long established Quaker custom, which is made an interesting feature of the photoplay, is the holding of religious service on board the departing whaling ship. Since 1832, when the Whalemen’s Bethel was erected in New Bedford, this custom has never been abandoned. Just prior to the sailing of a craft. bound for a cruise of from anywhere from one to four years, in search of the monsters of the deep, the chaplain, mounting his little organ aboard a wheelbarrow, and accompanied by members of the Bethel, board the ship and there, before the entire assembled crew and visitors from ashore, invoke the protection and blessings of the Almighty on the. intrepid seamen, many of whom may never return. “Down to the Sea in Ships” is a whaling story, essentially, but embodies a theme that is replete with romance and heart interest, abounds with thrills and what is more, 1s convincingly realistic and natural. Mer. M. Herschorn Now Managing Community M. Herschorn, formerly manager of the Imperial Theatre, is now at The Community, which is having its usual large audiences and splendid patronage. This theatre recently did wonderful business with “Down to the Sea in — Ships,” which Mr, Franklin states was commented upon most favourably. Mer. H. E. Sills Recommends “Bell Boy 13” Following is a letter received commending “Bell Boy 13” in view of its successful engagement at the Lyric Theatre, Kitchener, Ont. Associated First National Pictures, 91 Queen St. East, Toronto, Ont. Dear Sirs :— We have just concluded an engagement of “Bell Boy 13” on the same program with “Peck’s Bad Boy.” As the Coogan picture is second run in this city it speaks well for the possibilities of its drawing power under this condition. However, we do not credit our exceptional business to “Peck’s Bad Boy” alone for “Bell Boy 13” is one of the funniest comedies it has ever been my pleasure to present. Our audiences fairly rocked with laughter throughout the entire reeling of the picture and I heartily recommend it to any exhibitor who is looking for something different in pure fun picture. With every best wish for First National, I remain, Yours truly, (Sgd.) H. E. SILLS, Lyric Theatre, Kitchener. “Masters of Men” Imperial, St. John, Casino, Halifax Mr. R. J. Romney, of the Vitagraph, has recently returned from a trip to Halifax and other points in the territory where he arranged splendid bookings on “Masters of Men,” obtaining twelve contracts in one week. This film, which has received such wonderful comment wherever shown, will be seen at the Imperial Theatre, St. John, and at the Casino, Halifax. Mer. H. R. Walker Opens Imperial, Halifax Mr. H.R. Walker will open the Imperial Theatre, Halifax, which has been closed for some months. Mr. Walker is the popular manager of the Royal and Classic Theatres, Dartmouth, and his many friends will wish him every success in this new venture. “Timothy’s Guest” "i Imperial, St. John “Timothy’s Quest,” shown at the Imperial Theatre, St. John, brought forth many expressions of delight and satisfaction over the pretty story and clever acting of the child principals. NOTICE This issue of ‘‘Digest” begins Volume 15, No.1. March 17th cover number should have been 47 instead of 44. 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