Home Movies (1943)

HOME MOVIES FOR DECEMBER PACE 421 A final point in favor of editing in terms of music is that the proportion of fast and slow tempo scenes can be almost disregarded. The reason for this is that music almost invariably speeds up sequences which might drag if no music were played. That mountain and pastoral sequence might be much too long if shown silently, but, with a well chosen melody, will take on added interest and seem not half as long. Musical accompaniment with motion pictures is an art, and in art there are nc fast rules. Try, then try again, and eventually a winning combination will result. Select the musical background carefully, then don't be afraid to change scenes around when necessary. A perfect presentation, well co-ordinated and blending harmoniously, is the goal to strive for; and in the mythical land of motion pictures, the means always justifies the end. the y[ear . . . • Continued from Page 401 One of the good fortunes to come to Kurt Bohse was a chance acquaintance with Dr. H. Eugene Wells, who owned an array of excellent cine equipment. Dr. Wells had little opportunity to make pictures and freely offered use of the equipment to Bohse in whose fervor for making movies Dr. Wells recognized a man deserving of better tools. With the doctor's improved camera, Bohse was able to greatly improve his technique and during the ensuing two years, filmed a number of modest pictures on serious subjects. In 1939, Bohse was admitted to membership in the South Side Cinema Club of Chicago, with which organization he continues affiliation and, it might he added, he is in line for certain distinguished club honors as a result of the recognition that has come to his latest filming effort, Lincoln Trails. Soon after coming to America, according to Bohse, he became a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, read freely of his history, and later, when settling in Illinois, infused his Lincolnian learning with visits to the many Lincoln memorials and landmarks of which Illinois and neighboring Kentucky is rich. About five years ago, the Chicago Tribune published a series of articles entitled, "Guides To the Shrines of Abraham Lincoln." These gave Bohse much information as well as inspiration, and this inspiration led to a decision to film a picture on the subject. His first step was to prepare a shooting script based on facts obtained from the Tribune articles. "A carefully prepared script," said Bohse, is one of the most important factors in making a successful picture. It tends to eliminate lost motion and waste footage. And saving precious film is an important consideration for any amateur even in normal times. "Last year," Bohse continued, "after purchasing my own Cine Special plus several rolls of Kodachrome, I had opportunity to spend five of a seven-day vacation filming scenes for my picture. Not until a clear February day this year was I able to secure scenes for the closing sequence of my film. I sought a highly dramatic ending which would add emphasis to the closing lines of my narrative — the final sentences of Lincoln's Gettysburg speech. The honors since bestowed upon my film by Home Movies justify the extra effort and patience that went into this final sequence." Making the disc recording of narrative and background music was an extensive project in itself. Here, Bohse's old friend, Dr. Wells, added his talents as collaborator on the script and as narrator. The recorder was set up in a room separate from the projector as a precaution against picking up extraneous noise. The picture was projected from an adjoining room onto a translucent screen of draftsman's tracing cloth laid over a glass panel in the door separating the projector room from the recorder. This arrangement, closely paralleled that of a sound studio. As the picture was screened, the narrator spoke the words of the prepared script, cued by Bohse who watched the screen and signalled the Doctor by means of small cards held near the microphone to indicate the beginning of each sequence ■where speech was to be resumed. Some indication of the unusual interest in Lincoln Trails that manifest itself soon after description of the film appeared in the October issue, is the fact Home Movies received numerous requests from clubs as well as individuals asking opportunity to see the picture. Unfortunately, the film situation at present precludes adding a print of the film to Home Movies' library of prize winning amateur motion pictures. But we hope to later. Lincoln Trails is the type of amateur production every ambitious movie maker should see, for not only is it inspiring, but also an education in good cinematic technique. It is an outstanding example of how careful preparation, painstaking photography, and skillful editing combined with recorded narrative will insure the most successful pictures. (&iiMk FOLDING FRAMES KEEP THEIR PICTURES SAFE Made to last a lifetime. Double frames, each window protected with gl.-.ss-like acetate. Closes flat, like a book. Marorn. black, blue, green or ivory. Bound in sturdy, morocco-grain leatherette. For 5x7-in. pictures. $1.50: for 8xl0-in.. $2.25. Srft Duraleather binding. For 5x7-in. pictures, $2.00: for 8x 10-in.. $3.00. At St-rcs or direct prepaid on mmey-back trial. Free Catalog cf Amfiles fir Slides. Negatives, etc. A FINE GIFT FOR A FRIEND OR YOURSELF. AMBERG FILE & INDEX CO. \S£S^&k Ask Your Dealer VAPORATE CO. INC. 130 W. 46th St. New York Citv BELL & HOWELL CO. 1801 Larchmont. Chicago 718 N. LaBrea. Hollywood 16mm SOUND on Film Recording Studio and Editing Facilities BERNDT-MAURER RECORDER GEO. W. COLBURN LABORATORY 995-A Merchandise Mart CHICAGO Distinctive TITLES and expert EDITING For the Amateur and Professional 16MM. — 8MM. Black and White • Kodachrome Write for our illustrated catalogue STAHL EDITING & TITLING SERVICE 33 West 42nd Street New York. N. WARTIME PHOTOGRAPHY — wniie preparing for sound future careers! Trained men and women photographers are needed now more than ever before. Qualify at largest, oldest school that has trained many of today's most successful photographers. Over 450 N. Y. I. trained men winning promotion, higher pay in photo divisions of Armed Service. Resident or home study courses. Big FREE book gives details. N. Y. INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY Dept. 114. 10 W. 33 St., New York I, N. Y. THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT Write for New, Illustrated Folder 145 W. 45th St., New York I?, N. Y.