The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Sep-Oct 1922)

October 21, 1922. THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 15 THE FILM TRADE IN FRANCE. (8y our Paris Correspondent.) T is hoped that in a relatively short time the tax question will be discussed at the Chambre des Députés. lt is said that a Bill may be opposed to the Taurines one, and that then the industry will know where its triends are. For the first time the kinema has entered the ‘Académie de Médecine.’’ It was an interesting show, but the most interesting part is that from now hence there will be regular shows at the Academy. Professor Dr. Henriot is himself learning the secrets of the operator, so that he will be able to take the place of the man in charge in case of accident. The Academy ig not rich enough to have a regular kinema staff! ‘here are no ** nouveaux-riches *’ amongst learned scientist men. The. ‘‘ Syndicat des Directeurs de Paris ’’ want to be ready for the struggle which is imminent. As a means of getting enough mioney:they have decided to pay two per cent. more ou each program they get, and to put it aside in case of nead. iy is an easy way of collecting the money and of making sure that everyone participates. Production in France is still progressing, and the last few weeks have been fertile in exceedingly good films, technically as well as artistically. Pathé have presented *‘ L’Absolution,” ‘: Etre ou ne pas étre,”’ ** L’Ariésienne,’’ from the well-known stage play, ‘' Rouletabille chez les Bohémiens,’’ and ‘‘ Le Filon du Bouif,’’ which is another very entertaining episode of the Bouif series. Agence Générale bas given ‘* L’ouragan sur la Montague,” and MM. Violet and Donatien had a trade show of their beautiful picture, ‘‘ Les Hommes Nouveaux,’’ which will be one of the season successes. I must not forget to mention a very humorous picture by Marcel Jounet, ‘‘ La Conquéte des Gaules,"’ and the exquisite version of ‘‘ Triplepatte,’’ by M. Raymond Bernard. Griffith's ‘‘ Orphans of the Storm ”"’ is now showing at the’ ‘* Max Linder Cinema.'’ Never has a film been so much discussed for a long time. It is to be regretted that almoat every day has brought some kind of disturbance during the show, .but although French people admire Griffith’s indisputable talent and the faultless interpretation, yet one must say that when ‘seen in an historical light the production is often very much exaggerated. It is almost impossible for a foreigner to catch, in a picture, the right atmosphere of a certain country, and especially when he has spent so little time in that country— and what is so difficult to realise for a modern picture is a thousand times more difficult to do for a historical one. In many details the picture is wholly and frankly American. However, no one can deny the beauty of the picture as a picture, and once more Griffith can be hailed as the greatest picture-maker the world has yet seen.’ In Tunis the Censor has banned the ‘‘ Cabinet du Docteur (Caligari,’’ which was to have been shown at the Palmarium. Google The German picture, ‘‘Anne Boleyn,’’ was passed by the Censor last week. A member from the English Embassy, as well as one from the Foreign Departinent, were specially invited to view the picture. It is Mme. Emmy Lynn who will appear as the leading lady in Marcel L’Herbier’s next picture, ‘‘ Resurrection.’’ The great artiste wilt certainly give a very true interpretation of ‘‘ La Mosluwa,"’ but the present ditiiculty is to find the ideal Prince. He must be in the ‘‘ Grand Duc "’ style, about 35 years of age; he must wear a beard and look a real Prince. The Association of the Exhibitors of the South-West of France have arranged a kinematograph exhibition in Lyon. It is a real sample exhibition in which many new inetruments have been Everything connected with the industry has been represented, from samples of ticket-entrance for theatres up to the latest perfected instruments. It is to be hoped that every big town in France will follow the lead. shown by their inventors. The great event of the month is the trade show of Marcel The picture is a great success. Everyone connected with the French L'Herbier’s latest production, ‘‘ Don Juan et Faust.’ industry knows that Marcel L’Herbier is a real artiste, and this work of hig is a masterpiece. With Louis Delluc and a few others, M. L’Herbier is feeling his way towards a new kinema which should be art itself, and onc must admire the efforts of these hard-working French artistes. We have already seen + El Dorado ’? (Marcel L’Herbier), *‘ Fievre,”’ ‘' La femme de aulle part’? (Louis Delluc), ‘‘ Jocelyn’ (Léon Poirer), to mention only just a few beautiful productions. ‘‘ Don Juan et Faust can be added to the already long list. The beauty of the images is absolutely, unique. M. Jacque Catelain is a very juvenile Don Juan, and M. Vanni Marcoux a masterly Dr. Faust. The contrast is great between the two, and each is very interesting. Mlle. Pradot is a touching Dona Ana, and her dresses are like little poems. Another very good French production was trade shown this week by Pathé, ‘‘Le Sang d’Allah."’ The story is by MM. Alfred Vercourt and Luitz Morat. A Sultan has condemned to death his unfaithful wife; already the woman is the prey of an enraged mob, and they are stoning her. Two Europeans are passing, and one of them, Henry, who has come to the Maroc to forget his cwn unfaithful wifc, takes pity on the victim and saves her. But the Sultan makes him a prisoner, and asks him to kill the woman himself or he will be shut up in a tower with’ her and exposed to the heat of the sun until death deliver them. Henry refuses to kill Jasmina, and their horrible martyrdom goes on until the cirl stabs hersclf and Henry is delivered by his friends. The production has been well handled, and a very strong cast, including Gaston Medot, Henri Rollan and Mile. Marthe Vinot gives o remarkable interpretation amongst beautiful scenery.