The Motion Picture and the Family (Oct 1934 - May 1937)

February 15, 1937 THE MOTION PICTURE AND THE FAMILY 5 FILMS FOR THE PUPIL AND TEACHER By Sarah McLean Mullen Head of English Department and Co-ordinator of Visual Education. Abraham Lincoln High School, Los Angeles; Author of "How to Judge Motion Pictures." So. African Methods Like Those In U. S. LEADERS in the Better Films movement in the United States may have been a trifle in advance of women in other parts of the world in the formation of Better Film Councils and the establishment of photoplay appreciation classes, but they do not monopolize these intelligent and effective methods of promoting appreciation of fine films, as a visit from Mrs. Eben Eybers, Convenor of Cinema for the National Council of Women of South Africa, disclosed. Convenor So. African Council Pays Visit Immediately upon her appointment as Cinema Convenor of the Council of South Africa in March, 1936, Mrs. Eybers put into operation projects which interestingly parallel those which have been used with such effectiveness over a long period of years in the United States. Turning her attention to the schools, she gave to the pupils information regarding all coming films of exceptional merit. With the cooperation of the radio authorities she inaugurated broadcasts on film topics. An experiment with Junior Matinees was started, although the preponderance of films of family order which are now being produced seemed to render a particularly vigorous prosecution of this program unnecessary. Efforts were at once directed towards securing the publication of endorsed lists of films in the papers of Mrs. Eybers' home city, Bloemfontein, and other of the leading cities in South Africa. With these initial accomplishments to her credit Mrs. Eybers next turned her attention to the film methods in use in the United States. She has been for some months on the mailing list for the study guides issued by Educational and Recreational Guides, Inc., the official editorial committee of the Department of Secondary Education of the National Education Association. Several Bloemfontein teachers are not only conveying news of worthwhile films to their pupils but are also using film material, and particularly the study guides, in teaching classes in history, literature and other subjects which are closely related to many current films. Efforts are also being directed towards securing the wider use of 16 mm. educational films in the schools of South Africa. When Madame Laura DreyfusBarney, retiring Convenor of Cinema and Broadcasting of the International Council of Women, now Convenor of the Peace Committee, was in the United States last year, she carried back a Romeo and Juliet exhibit to be shown at the meeting of the International Council of Women in One of the essential points for consideration in the evaluation of a picture is the theme: that is, the underlying idea and how it is treated. A good theme will have a wide appeal, will be of interest to many people, will bs related to the interests of the time. Let us consider One In a Million (20th CenturyFox). This film makes us realize the relative importance of maintaining an amateur standing and of earning money as a professional. It is an idea that is interesting to nearly everyone and more especially in a year of the Olympic games. It is especially significant in the United Spates, where professional games and sports are gaining in popularity. It is almost a moral question. You will note that in this picture the theme is closely related to the plot or story, that its treatment is in keeping with the attitude usually cherished by sport lovers as the ideal of the amateur. Its clearness and sincerity of presentation depend upon the way it is developed. In other words, the importance of the theme depends upon the care of the scenarist and the skill of the director to give it due emphasis. Note Whether Themes Become Tiresome While we like old themes when decked out in new clothing of dialogue and action, we tend to grow tired of them if they are retold too often. Just at present, we are having a great many pictures with almost identical themes. The young newspaper employee — male or female — shows himself to have the real detective instinct, and proves that "Where there's a will there's a way." Stories and themes in these pictures are too much alike. Try making a list of the pictures you see with this particular theme. Be sure to note how the variation in plot, events and the difference in characters make the same theme seem different. See if skilful treatment relieves even this old theme from sameness. But the theme should reveal itself quite early — within the first five minutes of the play, and sometimes as early as in the title. Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. Upon a recent return visit to the United States Madame Dreyfus-Barney reported that this exhibit had been taken to South Africa by two officers of the International Council of Women who went there to deliver addresses on various phases of the Council program, and that it had been received with great enthusiasm. Mrs. In "Maid of Salem" In Maid of Salem, for example, we are made conscious of the intolerance that marked the relationship of the settlers of the Puritan colony. Simple acts of kindness take on a new aspect when viewed through eyes of men trained in a religion of fear and bigotry at the same time that they are claiming freedom. We sense the trial for witchcraft, and the punishment meted out, not as individual events, but as the climax of mass intolerance and fear. The theme is strongly emphasized and ties in nicely with some of the present day happenings that evince the same emotions. To be able to estimate a picture as having true value, consequently, we have to know that the theme is worthy of consideration and that its treatment is adequate. Titles Sometimes Misleading You have undoubtedly become interested, also, in film titles. Have you noted that they are all about the same length? Brevity is necessary for two primary reasons — to make the title fit into the allotted space on the marquee, so that it may be read at a glance and so that it may be easily remembered. You may have discovered that you cannot always depend upon the title in selecting a show. It may have a meaning other than the obvious one. Take Mind Your Own Business, for example. This remark has often led to quarrels when spoken in a defiant tone. And in some way we associate it with something quite different from the farcical situations arising in this amusing story of the nature columnist and his helpful wife. Nor does The Plough and the Stars reveal itself generally as patriotic Irish drama. You will find it rather fun to study the titles of the films you see and determine why they were chosen. Ask yourself these questions : What is the reason for the title? Is it because of the theme, the chief character, the setting, the chief incident or other reason? Is it attractive? Is it suitable? Does it arouse curiosity? Does it (Continued on Page 6) Eybers had left Bloemfontein before the arrival of the International Council representatives and made her first acquaintance with the research exhibits in this country. She will return to her home with copies of all the recent exhibits and the newest study guides and with a wealth of educational film material of which she plans to make effective use. 100 Words Will Help Boys Win Trip to Europe SOMETIME between the current date and June 30, 1937, twelve American Boy Scouts will become the envy of thousands of their comrades. All twelve will attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree to be held in Washington June 30 to July 9; two will go on from there to the World Jamboree in Holland, July 29 to August 13. And a motion picture will make it possible. The film is Cecil B. De Mille's The Plainsman. Because it is of the stuff on which Scouting is based — adventure and loyalty, courage and comradeship and a high spirit of heroism — the producers of the picture offered to the Boy Scouts of the country an opportunity to win through to these major prizes, the National and the World Jamboree, in a contest open to all Scouts everywhere in the United States. Even former Scouts are eligible, if they are between the ages of 12 and 21. Contest Terms Simple Terms of the contest are simple. Each contestant must submit a review of some episode or character in The Plainsman, not to exceed 100 words in length. This must be signed with the contestant's name and address, his present or former Scout rank and the name of his troop. Reviews are to be written on one side of the page only and must be mailed before midnight May 31. For the purposes of the contest the United States has been divided into 12 regions. The winner in each is to be given an opportunity to attend the National Jamboree in Washington, and the two best regional winners will go to Holland afterwards. The race is on, and Boy Scouts in all parts of the country are checking with local theatre managers as to detailed terms and preparing to enter the contest. N.Y. School Joins Amateur Film Producing Ranks Public School No. 45, the Bronx, New York City, has joined the ranks of motion picture producers. Three Friends and Bad Boy's Story have been written, acted and produced by the pupils. Both are well adapted to juvenile consumption, but not without interest for an adult audience. AVAILABLE FREE This bulletin, published monthly, is available free to community leaders upon application to the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, Inc., 28 West 44th Street, New York City. Address the editor of The Motion Picture and the Family.