The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

J 90 The Educational Screen places woefully lacking. For example, after the lines, "Amid the sound of steps that beat The murmuring walk like autumn rain." the strict and uncompromising literalness of a concrete sidewalk, with a close-up of all shapes and sizes of feet, clad in all sorts of high- and low-heeled footgear, is somewhat of a shock. In the purely scenic views, of which the reel contains several as illustrations of the poet's lines, the photography is more satisfying. As a review of the poet's life and the significant facts associated with it, the reel has definite value; as an aid to an interpretation of Bryant's lines, and an appreciation of his poetry, the value is doubtful. There is too much of a literal, downright spade-is-a-spade picturization, and far too little artistic, imaginative in- terpretation of the poet's thought. A Fairy Foreland Burton Holmes (N N-T)—The idea is suggested by "The Brook" of Tennyson, whose lines are illustrated by the lovely scenes of the reel, picturing the course of the brook from its source as a tiny streamlet in the shadowy moss-grown haunts, deep in some wood, and taking the observer along in its happy journey "down to the brimming river." Mexico—Historical and Architectural (E F C)— Relics, dating from the prehistoric age in which an unknown people built vast pyramids in the Mexican valleys, are to be seen along with the monuments of the Aztecs which are today the only remnants of the architecture of that extinct race. Modern architecture is rep- resented by the church edifices of Mexico City. An Indian Village in Mexico (E F C)—This reel shows a town as primitive as were the Indian settlements common in the days of the Spanish conquests 400 years ago—the nearest approxi- mation today to the conditions of that bygone time. TRAVEL AND SCENIC SNOW-BOUND YOSEMITE (Sun- set-Burrud) —To those familiar with Yo- semite, this picture will be a delight. Here are the well-known scenic features of the Park, but dressed in snow and ice garments. To every observer, it presents!) a piece of fairyland—the lovely trees Yosemite bending under a weight white, feathery Falls in their blanket snow, and the little quiet streams, a parently stopping to gaze at the beau of the scene, and reflecting the snow-co ered trees. A novel feature of the reel—and not t least of its charms—is added by a pas ing breeze. When the air stirs, the drops from some of the branches ti: avalanches of white thinning to gossam texture as they fall. The reel is one the Sunset-Burrud polychromes. CHINA (Pr.)— A "natural, color" tn elogue showing scenes on China's r ers, with their clumsy hand-propell craft, glimpses of her crowded c streets, the wall surrounding the "F< bidden City"—more forbidding in a pearance in contrast with the beds graceful lotus flowers growing to very base—and China's people at th street shops. Some of the atmosphere the old China during the days of t monarchy is conveyed by the views the Summer Palace and its surroundi gardens, the summer court of the forrr royal family. Not the least beautiful China's famous wonders is the Temj of the Sun, held in sacred regard by r people. In the close-ups of particular types Chinese people, the photographer r. perhaps been unfortunate in his choi Opium-smoking small boys are hare an entertaining sight, even for the tl atre, and certainly not the best exam] for a school audience. The reel is given a popular turn, contrasting the state of China during t old regime with that of the New Chii begun in 1900. United States Marir march through the final scenes—cal< lated to leave us in a satisfied, patrio frame of mind. THE HIGHWAY THROUGH WO ^DERLAND (Sunset-Burrud) — 1