Motion Picture Classic (May 1921 - Dec 1927)

Could You Write a Story Like This? Could you recognize the vital dramatic situation in this scene — and write a scenario about it? It is a scene from the Rex Ingram Production (Metro Pictures Corporation). “The Conquering Power.” A great drama built up from a commonplace story. Situations like this are taking place around you every day. Right in your own street, in the house next door, in your home, a great drama is being lived. Why can’t you build a plot around it? The successful photodramatists use the simplest themes ; the biggest pictures are built around trivial incidents of everyday life. The successful screen writers are men and women who see the dramatic value of everyday occurrences. A few years ago these men and women were receiving ordinary salaries for doing humble tasks. Now their incomes are thousands and tens of thousands of dollars yearly. $ 1 ,500.00 Paid for a Scenario That is the average price. Just for the synopsis of a dramatic plot. You do not need writing ability. It is not hard to write a photoplay synopsis when you understand the principles of dramatic construction and photoplay technique. You cannot tell at this time whether you possess the ability to write photoplays. No test or analysis could tell you, for your sense of dramatic perception is undeveloped and your conception of plot construction is unformed. But it is worth finding out, certainly. For if you want to write stories — if in your day dreams, you make up tales, even tales about yourself — you are creating. And remember, it does not take fine writing, just the instinct to create and a knowledge of photoplay construction. Producers Want Your Stories They must have stories. Plots are the only thing the motion picture industry lacks. All the leaders in the profession are demanding plots — looking everywhere for them. Your opportunities as a screen writer in the opinion of the film authorities are fully explained in 32-page illustrated book. The Fox Plan of Photoplay Writing is outlined. The book is yours FREF. if you are interested in writing for the screen. Send the coupon today. Fox Photoplay Institute 2537-39 S. State St. Dept. 1279, Chicago iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiufimiiiiiuiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Fox Photoplay Institute 2537-39 S. State Street. Dept. 1279, Chicago Please send me. without cost, your 3 2 page book telling about the Fox Plan of Photoplay Writing, and about my opportunities as a screen writer. I understand there is no obligation. Address Name City State. ........ The Celluloid Critic ( Continued from page 96) (Paramount) to follow the original, he would have hit all six cylinders. Yet it must be called a compelling picture, if for no other reason than that it moves directly to its climax — revealing an exceptionally fine sample of straightforward story-telling — a reminder of the old Biograph days. The pampered heroine gets behind Satan and prison walls, and the scenes building to the climax are unusually gripping. Take particular notice of the incident when the motor-cycle officer is catapulted thru space when his machine strikes the girl’s sporty roadster. It is unusually clever direction. The silly flapper is convicted of manslaughter by the prosecuting attorney — the very man to whom she is engaged. This is dynamic, if false in the sense that we cannot imagine any true lover sending his sweetheart to jail to cure her. The theatrical note creeps in with a vengeance, for the holier-than-thou hero takes to alcohol and sinks to the gutter and stays there until the thoroly redeemed girl emerges from prison and rescues him. Her reformation is convincing ; his is not. In fact he proves to be the weaker character of the two. De Mille has used the entire Lasky equipment, studio, sets, costumes and extras, besides having a large and competent cast, to give breadth to the story. It will cause some discussion — this picture. It will be talked about. There is no denying that it contains a healthy punch — even tho that punch is aimed here and there at your intelligence. Leatrice Joy indicates in her portrayal of the jazz-mad girl that stardom will soon be her reward. It is a conspicuously fine performance — one endowed with emotional feeling and capricious impulse. Thomas Meighan is as convincing as his role permits him. At least he tried and nearly succeeded in making the character a regular fellow. “Under Two Flags” (Universal) is just another reminder that the producers are not allowing the sands of the desert to grow cold. The picture is following in the trough of the “Sheik” wave with nothing inspired in its composition. The only bits worth mentioning are the mad pursuit across the hot sands by the galloping Arabs — who in turn are chased by the galloping Frenchmen — a scene that always manages to kick up a little dust notwithstanding that it is an imitation of D. W., and the dynamic performance by Priscilla Dean. Her magnetism and vitality give some life to a story which may be anticipated from the start — a story of unrequited love, sacrifice and army life in the Orient. It never leaves the beaten path. Miss Dean and some first-rate atmosphere provide the saving touches. Paramount’s “Pink Gods” shows you what a curse diamonds may be when they are taken too seriously and worn too readily by unduly weak members of Just what is Listerine, anyhow? YOU’LL be interested to know just why Listerine is so efficient and so safe as an antiseptic — why it has grown so steadily in popularity for the last half century. Listerine consists of antiseptic oils and essences, such as thyme, eucalyptus, baptisia, gaultheria and mentha, scientifically combined with a saturated solution of boric acid. Thus it has a twofold antiseptic effect — first, the liquid itself halts infection ; then upon evaporation it leaves a film of pure boric acid to protect the wound while Nature heals. Its action is safe and sure. Don’t be without it at home. For with Listerine near at hand you enjoy that comfortable feeling of knounng the antiseptic you use is both efficient and safe. The booklet that comes with each bottle explains more fully some of its many uses A safe, unirritating antiseptic for cuts, wounds and scratches, affording protection against infection while Nature heals. As a gargle for sore throat to ward off more serious ills As a spray in nasal catarrh. A safe and fragrant deodorant ■ in matters of personal hygiene. Delightful after shaving. Effective in combating dandruff. Useful in many skin disorders. As a mouth-wash to correct unpleasant breath (halitosis) Lambert Pharmacal Company St. Louis, U. S. A. (Ninety-eight)