The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

of Science S9 Mr. Burns also pointed out that films showing the successful evasion of capture and escapes from prison are presented with the idea of emphasizing the genius of the criminal in this respect, and the effect on the spectator criminally inclined, but not yet wholly lost, is most destructive. Mr. Burns believes in censorship provided a high order of intelligence shall characterize the make-up of such a board, and he seemed to think that this was needed solely because of the advent of so many producers attracted by the lure of quick profits, and in this view the great detective is so correct that it is hoped that the established film concerns will themselves agitate some system of control that will prevent film production from reaching the level that once was a notorious feature of stage offerings before discipline and rectitude were established through organization. The photoplay author of the grade to qualify for the future needs of the producers is none too plentiful. In truth, the best writers are now firmly intrenched in the studios on large guarantees as to salary. The heads of the larger film companies are looking ahead, too — taking advantage of the overflux of stage plays adapted to the screen to prepare for the day when this source of supply will be exhausted or perhaps unwelcome. Up to a year or two ago, the free-lance photoplaywright was welcomed, at least to the extent that it was hoped a new genius would come forth to be immediately "signed up" for one of the studios for its scenario department. Practically all of the prolific photoplay authors who have many produced and released successes to their credit are now either on the salaried