Motion Picture Magazine (Feb-Jul 1921)

IOTION piCTU&l ej I MAGAZINE have an abiding faith in its future. Otherwise I might indeed lose faith in an art supported and encouraged by a public which rates Bebe Daniels and Tom Mix distinctly higher than Elsie Ferguson and John Barrymore. It would be hypocritical to deny the value of beauty and grace, where the appeal is first of all to the eye, and yet, one would be sorry to think that, as it sometimes seems, acting ability is the last quality recognized or desired. Wallace Reid is a better actor than he gets credit for, but dollars to doughnuts, it's his engaging smile and racing cars that get him votes ; Norma Talmadge and Nazimova do possess the divine spark, and yet, strangely enough, are popular ; Rod La Roque seems to have no special quality except youth, and yet is popular ; and when all is said and done, there is good old Bill Hart, not much of an actor, and neither young nor beautiful, and again enormously popular! So, what does it, and how? And does it really represent anything of value to player or audience, except a transitory gain at the box office? Isn't it possible that it may even cause a loss, by a narrowing and cramping attempt to retain a surface popularity at the cost of greater artistic growth? I should greatly enjoy hearing other opinions on the subject. Yours truly, A. C. J. Lowell, Mass. Here is another indictment of the "Happy Ending." Is it always incompatible with Realism? Any one who wishes to take up the cudgels in its behalf, may write to Mr. Moses. Dear Mr. Editor: — I have read several letters on various topics written by readers of your magazine who are scattered over many parts of the globe, and if you have time to read my letter, I would appreciate your permit for my views on a topic which seems to be of interest to many of those who daily make moving pictures a point of conversation. Several months ago a Frenchman, a picture critic, made the statement that American pictures were not realistic and true to the every day life of a nation. His only reason for this was based on the ending of the pictures. He claimed that pictures to be of universal interest, must have sad endings as well as happy ones. In a few respects I agree with our French friend. I believe that a picture with a combined ending of happiness mixed with sorrow would be all right for a change, but how long would the people of our nation tolerate pictures that flashed the last scene in some pessimistic mood? It is evident that young America is allowing himself or herself to be lead by the things with which they daily come in contact. Older people as well as the younger generation, in many cases, place their ideal in some person, book or plot, that they have seen, and in my estimation, it would be far more elevating and impressive to look upon a picture that placed the beauties, possibilities and happiness of this life before them. The conclusion of a picture is the part which is most likely to linger the longest in the minds of those who see it, and are willing to let themselves profit by it. I should be very glad to correspond with other readers who are interested in the motion picture world. Sincerely, Walter I. Moses. 920 University St., Dixon, 111. A Surprise Awaits you in this ten-day test This is to urge that you brush teeth for ten days in a new way. Combat the film. Bring other good effects. The whiter, cleaner, safer teeth will be a delightful surprise. To millions of people this method is bringing a new era in teeth cleaning. It combats film One object is to fight the film — that viscous film you feel. This is the teeth's great enemy. It dims the teeth and causes most tooth troubles. Film clings to teeth, gets between the teeth and stays. The ordinary tooth paste does not effectively combat it. So night and day it may do a damage which few people have escaped. It is the film-coat that discolors, not the teeth. Film is the basis of tartar. It holds food substance which ferments and forms acid. It holds the acid in contact with the teeth to cause decay. Millions of germs breed in it. They, with tartar, are the chief cause of pyorrhea. Despite the tooth brush, all these troubles have been constantly increasing. New methods nowDental science, after diligent research, has found effective film combatants. Able authorities have amply proved Ptfr.OFr i them. Now leading dentists, in Europe and America, advise their daily use. The methods are embodied in a dentifrice called Pepsodent. And millions of people have already adopted it. Watch these desired effects Pepsodent combats the film in two effective ways. Then it leaves the teeth so highly polished that film-coats cannot easily adhere. It also brings other effects which modern authorities desire. It multiplies the salivary flow, as certain foods would do. That is Nature's great tooth-protecting agent. It multiplies the starch digestant in the saliva, to digest starch deposits which otherwise cling and may form acid. It multiplies the alkalinity of the saliva, to neutralize the acids which cause tooth decay. Thus twice a day it brings to users unique tooth protection. Send the coupon for a 10-Day Tube. Note how clean the teeth feel after using. Mark the absence of the viscous film. See how teeth whiten as the filmcoat disappears. Read in our book the scientific reason for each new effect. Do this now. It is most important, both to you and yours. It may lead to life-long benefits which you cannot afford to miss. REC U.S. The New-Day Dentifrice A scientific film combatant, whose every application brings five desired effects. Approved by highest authorities, and now advised by leading dentists everywhere. All druggists supply the large tubes. 10-Day Tube Free561 THE PEPSODENT COMPANY, Dept. 526, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. Mail 10-Day Tube of Pepsodent to Only one tube to a family 85 PA6