The Educational screen (c1922-c1956])

Page 34 Film Presents the Schools' Case How tcchnol(ij,ncaI devel()])inent.s resulting from the war, and the approacli of the air-age i.s making, and will increasingly make new demands iij)on the schools of the Nation, is the theme of a new sound motion picture titled Pop Rings the Bell, which will be shown nationwide to special groups of tax-j)a3Trs, civic societies, service clubs, parent-teachers organizations and others with the aim of securing bencr pay for teachers and of ]jro\iding more adequate e(|ui])ment and facilities for the schools in the postwar era. Sponsored In The National School Service Institute, this film was produced by the Jam Handy Organization of Detroit. 16mm. prints of this tworeel picture will be available for showings nationaIl\ in cooperation with school systems, educators, educational organizations and civic groups interested in bringing our schools up to the growing demands. Pof> Rings the Bell is dedicated "To America's future — the Youth of Today," and is primarily directed to the American tax-payer whose dollars sustain our educational system, yet who .so frequently fails to realize that teaching today is no longer a mere matter of text-book study and home-work assignment: that technology, upon which the future so largelj relies, demands more adequate equipment for schools and that the successful application and use of this modern equi]) The Educational Screen ment de])cn<Is largely upon skilled tcacliers. The film brings out these points, in the simple story of a typical school in a ty])ical American commuinty, wiiose principal. Mr. For.sythe, is fully alive to the new responsibilities of his teaching job. The central figure in the story is "Pop" Gregor, the school's cu.stodian. a well-known old-timer in the town. Opening scenes in the principal's office on the eveniijg of a "back-to-school" gathering show Mr. Forsythe confronted by four typical local tax-payers who question the request for more school taxes, and demand reasons for a larger school operating budget. He presents the case of the school's new and growing responsibilities dramatically and convincingly. "Pop" steps into this somewhat stormy .scene to break down the viewpoint of the taxpayers by recalling what the Middleton School has done for all of them over the years. The meeting is the main episode in the picture, reflecting realistically a very common conflict of viewpoint between educator and tax-pa}'er. The gist of Principal Forsythe's "defense" may be summed up this way. Students of today face new problems in living and earning in the coming age of air-travel, television, electronics and plastics, and it is U15 to the schools of the community to prepare them for the new kind of world to come. Such an educational program demands modern and adequate physical facilities in classrooms and workshops, as well as highly (|ualified teachers who must be adequately paid. The investment in tax-dollars to improve education brings rich rewards to every one in the communitv. The film contains impressive shots of students at work in the classroom, in the school sho]), and in the domestic science department. Further information regarding Pop Rings the Bell and showing schedules can be secured from the National School Service Institute, Shop 307, Palmer House, Chicago. 111. ' LYNE S. METCALFE Top: Class in global geography — new equipment essential. Bottom : Teaching is no longer a mere matter of text-books. Lockheed P-38 1 reel, 16nini sound. Available free from Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Rurbank, California.) This is a vivid picturizatioii of the newest model Lightning P-38, in color, with narrative and sound accompaniment, It is more than a thrilling exhibit of speed, manoeuverabihty and tremendous chmbing power of this famous fighter. The film opens with scenes of pilot-training, the pig-aback method whereby the trainee perches in the cockpit behind a veteran pilot. The gadgets of the elaborate instrument board are explained — the plane then starts down the runway — a perfect take-off — landing-gear retracted — air manoeuvers — guns in action. Then, assuming one engine shot away, one propeller stops, but the other continues with amazii'.g efficiency to drive the plane, to bank, to climb, and return safely to base. With necessary preliminary training complete, the budding pilot repeats the performance. The narrative is well managed, and avoids what is perhaps the gravest error in narrative, that of talking a continuous stream. Numerous pauses permit the spectator to reflect, observe, digest both picture and narration. The film is carefully calculated not only to portray the merits and performance of Lockheed's latest contribution to .America's war potential, but to inspire confidence in the minds of all who view it that American flyers are prepared for their high service with the utmost attention to their safety as well as their ultinate efficiency when the great moments shall come. (Reviezved by N. L. G.)