Educational film magazine; (19-)

WOMAN AND THE FILM IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT rHlS space in EIducational Film Magazine has been opened to the Chairman of Motion Pictures of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and will be filled each month with articles full of practical suggestions for those interested in definitely using motion pictures to worthy ends, whether in the educational or entertain- ment field. We want to know what women have been doing, all over our land, that their example may be made an inspiration to others. We want to know the problems that women are meeting, that we may attempt to help in their solution. Questions will be answered through the columns of the magazine and also personally. Each month a short article will be presented suitable for reading and discussion in club meetings. Last month the subject under consideration ivas "How Women May Use Movies to Serve Education." Meanwhile, let all who are interested in the question of what women can do to increase the effectiveness of motion pictures for the welfare of our nation write in their suggestions, that this department may receive the benefit of the thought^ of the greatest possible number. MOVIES FOR KIDDIES—WHAT SHALL WE DO ABOUT IT? How Clubwomen and Other Groups Can Solve the Problem— Specially Prepared Children's Programs the Ideal Way By Mrs. Woodallen Chapman Chairman of Motion Pictures, Genera! Federation of Women's Clubs MOTION' pictures—entertainment films—have become an in- creasingly alisorbing: sul>ject of discussion for the club- women of our land. They are not talking, liowever, aliout the latest film and the enjoyment received from viewing it. They are discussing "The Problem of tlie Movies"—in otlier words, the effect of motion pictures upon lioys and girls, the maturing j'oung people of our great nation. This is, indeed, a question of national importance. Whatever affects the thoughts and emotions of the children of today is help- ing to form the character of the citizens of the future. Every picture they see is helping to form their conception of life and its meaning, is giving them something to imitate. These pictures stir their emotions, and this calling the emotions into activity strengtli- ens them. It is, therefore, of the utmost imjjortance that some tliought be given to the kind of ideas concerning life that are being im- parted to the children; what it is tlicy are being encouraged to imitate; just what kind of emotions are being strengthened and made permanent. When pictures of violence and crime are shown in the theaters, it is no wonder that a cry goes up for censorship. Portraying the criminal as a man to be admired for his originality and daring is not the way to train future citizens to lives of probity and righteousness. Big Producebs Giving Theik Best Although there are men in the motion picture field, as in every other line of industry, who can only be kept within the bounds of moral decency through the operation of restraining laws, in the main the big producing companies have shown a praiseworthy desire to give the public the very best. In mentally reviewing the great productions of the past twelve months, all fair-minded people must be impressed with the idealism of the men back of them. "Earthbound," "Wav Down East," "Humoresque," "The Jack Knife Man," "Jes' Call Me Jim," "PoUyanna,"—all are pictures that inspire and uplift as well as amuse, and the list is not completed by far. For such pictures no censor is needed. Such producers deserve the active cooperation of all right- minded people, for the only sure way of driving out the un- desirable is to replace it with that which is both comniendal)le and enjoyable. The encouraging thing in connection with these pic- tures has been the immediate response of the public given so heartily as to make these acceptable fUais a splendid financial sutv cess, tlius proving once more that the American public wants and will pay for the best in every sense of that word. Selection —Nor Censobship If censorship is needed to suppress the imdesirable film, surely corresponding effort should be made to make known the de- frable. Several organizations exist at the present time, which end out monthly bulletins of films which they can recommend. Iimong these might be mentioned the Indiana Board of Indorsers M Photoplays, composed in large degree of the clubwomen of ne state, and most successful in what it has undertaken to do. these lists the films suitable for children are classified by themselves. With such a list to depenci upon the local people can do much to change the charapter of the pictures being shown in their community, if they go about it in the right way. The first step for the local chairman of motion pictures is to make the personal acquaintance of the owners of the local motion picture theaters—not as one who wishes to criticize, nor even, it may be, to commend, but rather as a friend and neighbor who has a sincere interest in the motion picture industry. The next step is for her to get the club-women interested in helping her bring to their community the very best motion pictures to be had. They must first of all be willing to go to the theater when a good picture is put on, and to make a point of always speaking to someone connected with the theater as they come out, expressing their appreciation of the picture shown and announcing their intention to advise their friends to see it. They will thus build up in the consciousness of the owner a realization that his work in the community is really considered of A'alue. If they ask to have a film from a list of recommended pictures put on, let them make it a gala occasion and see to it that a large number of their friends are present. This will help him to meet their wishes by making it financially possible for him to do so. "Whex a Feller Needs a Fhiexd" If he should put on a picture deserving of condemnation, then let the chairman of motion pictures go to him, still as a friend, and point out to him how bad it is for his busi-iess and, therefore, the attendance of themselves and their friends. Talking to him as a friend, she may learn what some of his difficulties are in this matter. The local exhibitor is often the victim of circumstances over which he has, at present, almost no control. In order to secure pictures featuring certain stars it is necessary for him to sign up for all the pictures in which those stars are to appear. Some of the pictures may be good and some may be bad. The exhibitor has no way of knowing before- hand—and what can he do wlien the bad ones come? If he is a conscientious man, he will put the film—for which he has already paid—away on his shelf and pay for another one to take its place. But he cannot afford to do this often. But there are many pictures which are all right for adults to look at but are not suitable for children. Children should not be depressed with too great tragedy; they slioidd not see scenes of horror; they should be protected, not only from every scene that is indecent and suggestive but also from all that is conunon and sordid and from every title that is vulgar or profane. More than all, children should be kept during these early years from any knowledge of the "eternal triangle" and the innumerable problems that result from its existence. Normally they would not even be interested in the emotional love story and, ideally, they sl)Ould be left in this condition. Even some of the most beautiful pictures, from an artistic viewpoint, with big lessons for adults, touch directly or indirectly upon themes that should not be allowed to enter the child's con- sciousness. Yet these pictures cannot justly lie condenmed and suppressed. \\'hat, then, are we to dor (Continned on puije 20) 15