The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

March-April, 1953 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 33 Pudovkin, for example, told me he had finished working in black and white and could now only visualise films in colour. He said they were very satisfied with the present colour process which to him was softer than Technicolor and enabled him to photograph scenes which under some other process might only hit the eye of the audience as an objectionable clash. Their colour process is as an improved form of the old Agfacolor. Personally I found it a pleasing system, although at times I missed the vivid tones of some other processes. Many people over here have had the impression that for some years the Soviet film industry has been declining both in quality and quantity, and I was told that in part these impressions were accurate at least as far as quantity was concerned. The reason was put down to the inadequacy of stories, and lack of scriptwriters, a difficulty which has now been overcome, and I was informed that in the next few years they plan a 25 per cent increase in production. I was disappointed with my visit to the stereoscopic cinema in Moscow. As is known the Russian system is different from ours, the effect being obtained by the use of a special screen. Admittedly the films I saw were old, but the British technique seemed far ahead of the Russian both in obtaining greater depth of focus, and in avoiding strain on the eyes. The cost of special screens is very expensive and I was told that the one in Moscow was the only one at present in existence. The view was held that stereoscopic films are much more than a novelty, and hold tremendous possibilities for the future. Naturally I raised the thorny question of television and members will appreciate that the problem is not the same in the Soviet Union as in America and Britain. There are no conflicting interests due to competition from competing ownership by the different media. One leading film directer doubled up with laughter when I mentioned to him the fears of competition expressed by American and British film industries. His reaction was a simple one, who was he to complain if his films had a bigger audience. Surely it was wonderful if every family in the Soviet Union saw his films instead of only those who are able to make frequent visits to the cinemas. Regular training of film technicians continues, and in addition to the Film Academy in Moscow there are many similar facilities in other large cities for training actors, production technicians, and cinema projectionists. There is also a Special Scientific Institute to deal with all technical development, including colour, daylight exhibition, and stereoscopy. I asked whether there was prejudice against British and American films, and was informed there was no prejudice as such, although obviously some films would not get a showing. During 1952 some of the American Tarzan films had been widely shown. British films which were widely shown during the year were : " Lady Hamilton," " Robin Hood" (under the title "The Outlaw and the Maid "), " White Corridors," " Fire Over England " (under the title " The King's Pirates "), and George Formby films. I was unable to clarify which version of " Robin Hood ' was shown, other than to ascertain it was not the original Douglas Fairbanks classic. It will be noted that apart from the possible exception of the last named all the films shown were old. I was informed that this was not their fault and historical films and comedies would be particularly welcome. I mentioned to them a number of films which I felt would be very popular in the Soviet Union. It was stressed that there was no objection to the extension of showing of British films and a bigger two-way traffic would be welcomed. I was specifically asked by one of the sections of ACT to enquire as to whether any anti-British films were made. I was told there were not, but there were films against war-mongers within which classification some British people would be included. I had more than one opportunity to meet not only the leading officials of the All Union Central Council of Trade Unions, that is the Russian T.U.C., but also the Trade Union organising film technicians. They both assured me that closer contact George and the rest of the cheerful party outside the Kremlin in front of the bell which will never toll again, are shown on the opposite page. In the picture right: Inside the Kremlin.