Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb 1914 - Sep 1916 (assorted issues))

The relationship between Motion Pictures and Young America has been a widespread subject for debate. Particularly have certain so-called reformers donned sackcloth and ashes in behalf of juvenile Americans, asserting that the Motion Picture retards the young. For a short period of time their arguments were weighed, perhaps worthy, but the intelligent have recently turned a deaf ear, because they have realized the true worth of Cinematography in the education of our youth. The Motion Picture is complete in itself, but it leaves something for the imagination or understanding. A worthy picture stimulates the mind, and the juvenile intellect is not permitted to loaf at a Motion Picture entertainment of the right kind. It has been charged that the children become so engrossed by the Motion Pictures as to give cast and status to their minds. ' ' The Motion Pictures are poor training for the young whose mental qualities are not settled" is an oft-repeated contention. It is true that many are apt to set up pleasure as a guide and to regard it as the sole guide. A parent who does that is very foolish ; temperance is needed in the very best things, including the virtues. But in our years of study of the Motion Picture, its influence and its possibilities, we have not been convinced that the theater for children only is a prime essential. Up to a certain age the parents can use discretionary powers as to the programs offered ; at a later age the boys and girls are far better employed in the Motion Picture show than in the dance-halls, poolrooms or saloons. If an occasional picture is shown that may be more appropriate for older intellects, nevertheless it is usually accompanied by a strong moral lesson, and a lesson conveyed in such a manner that it impresses. To our way of (Con tinned reasoning, this is the highest form of educating Young America in the way it should go. Worldly knowledge is too frequently gathered in the streets, the playgrounds, the poolrooms, dance-halls, and their doubtful associates. It might be an excellent idea to investigate these facts before condemning the Motion Picture and its appeal to morality and right living. Legislation should be in favor of the Motion Picture, and not against it. It is an influence toward sunnier homes, vacated jails and abandoned alms-houses ; it promotes humanizing influences; sows the seeds of faith, hope and charity in the breast of Young America. It teaches both temperance and patriotism, right living and domestic happiness. The tendency of the Motion Picture to diminish the patronage of the saloon, the poolroom and the dancehall is asserting itself with ever-increasing force. Moralists have expressed their gratification, and editors universally extend praise. Young America is learning that an evening of rational entertainment is better than doubtful and risky pleasures. The animated screen is helping solve the temperance question. And then patriotism. We are glad to see that the manufacturers are not afraid to show the stars and stripes and other national banners in their films. A Young American without sentiment is as dead as old Nineveh. A person who growls out : * 1 Oh, what's the use? — it will lose us money," belongs to the troglodytes. " The same argument is applicable to all other countries having a flag. The Motion Picture has created reverence for the banners of other nations and has also taught respect and love for the starry banner of Young America. There is a great lesson written on the old flag ; and Young America needs and is given, thru the Motion Pictures, the n page 156)