The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Page 74 The Educational Screen NEW FILMS OF THE MONTH As They Look to A Teacher Committee Conducted by L. C. LARSON Instructor in School of Education Consultant in Audio-Visual Aids Indiana University, Bloomington THE new authors of the department will en- deavor to continue the critical review of new films on the basis originally outlined by Mr. Don White in his foreword to "New Films of the Month As They Look to a Teacher Committee" in the October, 1940 issue of The Educational Screen. The Teacher Committee will consist of members of two graduate classes in audio-visual education and teachers in the University School. The authors will attempt, in the description of the film, to give an objective report of the content and meaning of the film. The final revision of the description of content and an appraisal of the selection and organization of material in the film, the use of the film medium, and possible educational uses for the film will be ])repared by the Teaclier Committee immediately following the viewing of each film. The description of content and the committee appraisal will, therefore, represent a composite contribution of the committee rather tlian the opinion of a single critic. Three to five films will be reviewed each month. The editor may, from time to time, include notes on production activities and forthcoming releases of inter- est to the readers. The Flag Speaks (Teaching Film Custodians) 19 minutes, technicolor, 16 mm. sound. Apply to distributor for rental sources and prices. Produced in 1940 by Warner Brothers Pictures. This subject presents the flag of the United States of America and the struggles to establish and maintain the national unity and the freedoms for which it stands. During shots of New York City and contemporary scenes the commentator stresses the diversity of race, lan- guage, and religious beliefs in our population. The unity of these diverse groups is illustrated by a great crowd in a stadium standing while the flag is unfurled. Brief shots show several of the predecessors of our flag. The stars and stripes are unfurled at Fort Schuyler on the Mohawk, under siege by British. Man reads to crowd from a newspaper, brought by relieving cavalry troop, an article describing the new national flag designated by the Continental Congress. The new flag is hastily made of a This monthly page of reviews is conducted for the benefit of educational film producers and users alike. The comments and criticisms of both are cordially invited. Producers wishing to have new films reviewed on this page should write L. C. Larson, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, giving details as to length, content, date on which the film was issued, basis of availability, prices, producer, and distributor. They will be informed of the first open date when the Teacher Committee will review the films. The only cost to producers for the service is the cost of transporting the prints to and from Bloomington. This Cost Musi Be Borne By The Producers. Assisted by LLOYD F. EVANS Assistant in Audio-Visual Aids Extension Division Indiana University, Bloomington girl's red petticoat, a white shirt, and an officer's blue cloak. Two officers discuss what all colonists are fighting for and this is summed up by one officer's quotation from Voltaire: "I detest what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Soon the victorious Americans are quarreling among themselves. A tavern scene of men arguing about state versus national sovereignty. Unity does triumph, but in 1798 the Alien and Sedition Act threatens the fundamental freedoms for which the flag stands. John Chase is arrested in his newspaper office and his place wrecked because he defied this act. Jefferson pardons all prisoners under the Act, and Chase comes from jail triumphant. The next threat to liberty occurs in 1833 when freedom of worship is at stake. Attacks on the Mormons and the pillaging of their churches. A shot of the confederate flag being unfurled introduces a short sequence showing the Civil War with its threat to unity. The next sequence concerns equal suf- frage and the right of assembly. A women's meeting is broken up by group of ruffians showing how a minority often abuses privileges enjoyed under the flag. Finally the film shows how to display and honor the flag properly, and summarizes the appeal of the flag to the many diverse groups in the United States. Committee Appraisal : Rather than a series of authentic events presented in a scholarly textbook fashion, the film attempts to create the social atmosphere under which na- tional unity and the Freedoms of our Democracy were developed. This film can be used to motivate discussion of civil liberties and the processes whereby democratic free- doms are extended and maintained. The film is also suit- able for use in auditorium programs and assemblies to give a dramatic interpretation of the foundations of patriotism. The Civil War sequence was so scantily developed as to contribute little to the significance of the film. Power For Defense (National Defense Advisory Commis- sion—superseded by the Office for Emergency Management) 10 minutes, 16 mm. sound. Apply to producer for free and rental sources and sale prices. Issued in 1941. Teacher's guide furnished. The use of power resources for defense production in the Tennessee Valley is the theme. A brief introduction shows seven completed dams and three new dams under con- struction which compose the gigantic power plant in the Tennessee Valley. The commentator tells what power is obtained from them and points out that this source of power is in an area which can supply one-third of the raw materials needed for defense and that it is protected by its geographic position from attack by any enemy. The film shows workers in factories turning out tents, army clothing, uniforms, and shoes ; the processing of phos- phate rock from the valley to recover phosphorus for tracer bullets and other munitions; the reconversion of Muscle Shoals for nitrate manufacture; a new method for the re- covery of vital manganese through the use of abundant electric power; and aluminum recovered from the ore in the TVA area being rolled and stacked for shipment to leading aircraft manufacturers. The next sequence shows manufacture of training planes in the valley. Then a quick review of many specialized industries supplying machines and war materials. The last scene shows the products shipped by train and truck. CoMMiTTKE .^PPRAISAL: This is a "news report of film", (Continued on page 76)