Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1925)

2526 THE Fifteenth Anniversary \ T Dinner of Pathe News /\ given at the Plaza Hotel, /™\ New York, last Saturday night, proved to be one of the most telling events in the industry's history. And at the conclusion of "Flashes of the Past," a remarkable compilation of the world stirring events of the past fifteen years, a practical observer remarked: "It strikes me that we have just seen the greatest motion picture." 5$; $ HE importance of such a dinner, looking at it from the standpoint of the industry as a whole, is this: The Vice President of the United States accepted this occasion to voice what to many seems to be a paramount issue in this country, namely the reformation of the Senate with respect to certain archaic rules so that speedier and better legislation may result. Governor Ritchie spoke as boldly upon the great issue of the sovereignty of the State. And Emanuel Cohen's carefully prepared address was one of the best treatises ever put forth on the scope and power of the motion picture. The scholarly Frederic R. Coudert, one of the country's great corporation lawyers, presided, and at the dais were seated the largest number of notables ever present at any film function. * * * I AM looking at the whole affair from a publicity standpoint, gauging its importance to the industry from that very important angle. The speeches — and in vitality and effect they ranked high — were transmitted far and wide by radio. It was worth listening to by the vast multitude ; and it was worth reading about. The affair received columns of newspaper space. All this to the good name and high standing of the If you will look closely, you will see all the members of the Hal Hon, h-Ptithe "Our Gang" performing on the desk of their director, Robert McGowan, thanks to the process-camera in the hands of Alvin V. Knechtel. It appears in Pathe Review Ao. 45. Motion Picture News EDITOR An Editorial film and its industry ! Here was a background of dignity and earnestness and accomplishment. To the public it was made evident that the motion picture is close to the heart of the nation and its high interests, and that the power of the motion picture in turn has the understanding and respect of the nation's leaders. This sort of publicity is immeasurable in value; it is mightily needed. Let us hope that it will continue to hold the stage against the excessive stuff about salaries and other extravagance, which costs us in taxes more than the box-office yields from the ballyhoo. * * * FOR real drama — which is the drama of real life, the Pathe News picture "Flashes of the Past" is assuredly one of the screen's greatest accomplishments. Here, in rapid sequence, is unfolded the vivid story of the world of yesterday — war, fire, flood, heroes, parades, tragedies, hopes, and through it all the making and unmaking and reconstruction of civilization. The great and thrilling march of world progress, seen in all its reality, through a window! Could anything be more thrilling ! Can we create better than Creation itself ? Whatever is to be done with the picture, it strikes me that its commercial value is large; I can imagine that Jeff McCarthy would make millions of people pay well to see it. But, aside from that consideration, it will be a pity if people everywhere cannot see it. I should like, also, to have a great convention of exhibitors view the picture. It would give them that high respect for the news reel which the news reel deserves. THE stage could not produce "Flashes of the Past" ; books can only give a pallid shadow of it. Only motion pictures can keep the world a living drama — and that we cannot do in our studios. Only a world organization of camera men can accomplish what is assuredly the pictures' greatest, truest opportunity. It's about time we appreciated our news reels and what they do — and will continue to do for the screen. * * * AND in conclusion, our hats are off to the Pathe exchange organization and especially to the editor of Pathe News, Emanuel Cohen. * * * ABOUT pictures : We review Bill Hart's "Tumbleweeds" in this issue, and apparently it is all we hoped for and bears out all the prognostication that Bill Hart has come back with a whoop. From the Paramount fold we hear confident estimates of "Irish Luck," Meighan's new picture. "That Rovle Girl," by D. W. Griffith, "A Kiss for Cinderella," in which Betty Bronson is said to go one better than "Peter Pan," Adolph Menjou's "Grand Duchess and The Waiter," and "The American Venus." A lot of enthusiasm is expressed over "A Kiss for Cinderella."