The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Theatrical Film Critique # Conducted by M. F. L. " N this closing issue of the Educational Screen for the school year 1921-22 this department has arranged a five-part presentation, designed to be of use to both the general reading public and to those interested in the school film problem. (1) New reriews of current films. (2) The "fifteen best" of he films reviewed in the first five numbers of this magazine, listed in the order of their excellence as udged by the editor. (3) The "ten worst" of films previously reviewed, selected on a basis of some eal and serious fault or faults detrimental to moving picture development. (4) Catalogue of all emaining films reviewed in first five numbers, with very brief comment on each. (5) Selected list of he above films suitable for school and community use. This list has been chosen with great care, itelligent censorship, appreciation of the child's needs and wishes, and regard for the educator's iewpoint have determined the choice in each case. Current Reviews Hereafter THE THEATRICAL FILM CRITIQUE will follow the policy adopted in the June issue of adding a comment as to the possible use of the reviewed picture for the school, church or community program. PARAMOUNT RE-RELEASES (Fa- mous Players) The best seven productions released hrough Paramount for the past year are ffered in a weekly program. Several thea- res and theatrical circuits are now showing he series. This department will comment very briefly on the choice rather than the nerit of each production, for some of them were very naturally faulty in matters that lave since been generally readjusted hroughout picture making. The Miracle Man. Undoubtedly a great picture. Occasional faults of photography and some moments of an overemphasis in Mr. Meighan's work. But these errors appear quite neg- ligible when the production as a whole is considered. {Adaptable to community program.) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Stevenson's allegory of the human's dual nature, and the danger of giving in to the lower nature for experimentation and the temporary sowing of wild oats, made a tremendous vehicle for the genius of John Barrymore. Old though the production may be (and even a year in the swift evolution of picture mechanism is seri- ously long), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde stands as an almost flawless presentation of a great and horrible short story, known to the casual layman in literature. Inci- dentally, perhaps, only John Barrymore could have made convincing the labora- tory scenes. (Not for young children; high school and community only.) Old Wives for New. We have learned that the meandering method of continuity in this film is apt to mar a picture with as many good points as this production had. But such names as Florence Vidor, Helen Jerome Eddy, Tully Marshall and Theodore Roberts make it very possible that said film could not be poor. (Not a school film.) On With the Dance. Mae Murray in her earlier days could not have made this picture. In later films she has been less "censorable." From a box-office standpoint, very prob- ably a successful film. (Undesirable for any but theatre use.) Don't Change Your Husband. Like "Old Wives for New," this picture had a real warning. Not a great film, but a very acceptable release in a light vein. (Community use only.) Behold My Wife! Mable Julienne Scott, as the Indian wife thrust into the midst of English culture, was perfect. We have rarely seen so im- probable a part carried with as fine a 199