The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

120 I'm: Educational Screen of Nadine Elkins, an American girl re- porter, played by Louise Lorraine." History? Yes, scattered bits of it are there if you search for them. But the child is far more apt to be impressed by the thrilling dangers and hairbreadth es- capes through which the minor charac- ters must make their way than with the sweep of the larger action. The empha- sis is hopelessly wrong. Wanted—A little more history and far less melodrama. OUR MUTUAL FRIEND (Fine Art Films) This film is reviewed at length in the Theatrical Film Critique this month. We mention it again to emphasize its won- derful value for school and community use. As a masterful rendering of an Eng- lish classic, it is one of the very finest pictures within reach of American schools today. English departments should insist upon this film for their school showings. It is an ideal picture for all non-theatrical uses. ALONG THE MOONBEAM TRAIL (Lea-Bel Co.) A fanciful bit, compounded of the stuff that dreams are made of—fairies and magical journeyings, strange corners of the cosmos and stranger epochs than our own—but the whole made very real as the experiences of two real boys and their grown-up chum, all in boy-scout khaki. It is an unusual film, fantastic but nol sensational. It will stimulate the young imaginations in the most wholesome way. Children will follow it so eagerl) they will not notice the slight defects ir continuity, minor flaws in photographic effects such as a fairy a little bit too solic for a fairy. The Shakespearean quota- tions that serve to open the film are a rather heavy introduction to so lighl and nimble a story, but the English teacher can easily help the children to ar appreciation that will but add value tc the film. A BOY, A BEAR, AND A DOG (Fine Art Films) An engaging boy, a whole-souled littl< dog, and an irresistible bear are the lead' ing actors in this delightful film. The story is so wholesome and comfortable of such charming simplicity and natural ness—one gets to feeling sory for home without a bear. There is no feeling o: the Zoological Garden about this film This little bear is here because he belongi here—in the fields, in the yard, in th< kitchen—a most convincing little actoi with a personality quite his own. Shovt this film to anybody, everybody, from j to 60 years of age, and they will all b< glad they did not miss it. Film Catalogue THE Educational Screen is interested in the entire field of visual instruction and believes heartily in the use of all sorts of visual aids. It is the purpose of the school department to print every month a li| of current releases in non-theatrical films. It does this for the benefit of th teacher who has not the time, nor perhaps the accessibility to exchanges, £ gather this information for himself. In regard to the sources from which other visual materials may be securec the teaching profession needs little assistance. TRAVEL AND SCENIC Seeing San Marino Burton Holmes (N N-T)—A journey through this little-known republic, oc- cupying 38 square miles in the heart of the Italian mountains, and keeping its independence in spite of the maelstrom of recent history. Lake Maggiore Burton Holmes (N N-T)—A lak< of the Italian Alps, as beautiful as any in Swil zerland, studded with island jewels. The palacfe and villas on its shores are reflected in the serei mirror of water, across which little steamif make their way.