Motion Picture News (July-Aug 1918)

August 3 , i 9 i 8 755 Short Subjects' in ZZeirienr ARTISTIC TITLING FACTOR IN SUCCESS OF SHORT SUBJECTS A great deal has been said about film titling, " in features," and we understand that fabulous sums are paid those fortunate enough to have caught the trick of clever, original, and witty captions that help the story along. But quite unobtrusively the man responsible for editing the " educational " has been trying his hand along new lines. Or shall we say that new hands have been brought to the work, as producers realize the growing importance and possibilities of this form of picture for entertainment purposes. The old form of title still lingers — the "label" that tells only what the spectator could see for himself, or the long, heavily worded paragraph conveying information that the theatre patron does not want and probably won't even take the trouble to read. There is a place for the title that states facts. The content of a picture is often such that the spectator's enjoyment will be heightened if he can learn " briefly and without effort " certain general conditions or specific information not carried by the picture, but having a bearing on it. Every now and then such a picture so titled is put out and is always well received. But those who have been watching the short subject during the past year or two have recognized a new type. It is the scenic or nature study whose captions, in carefully chosen and often poetic language, bring out the implicit beauty, humor, or human appeal of the pictures themselves. Facts of matter are disregarded, while the fact of the spirit, grave or gay, is developed with a skill that places the film high in the ranks of art. Exhibitors have not always taken the trouble to analyze this, but the results from the producers' financial statements, are more than satisfactory. One more proof that the " best " is both an artistic and a box-office success. PLEASANT PICTURE FOR A SUMMER'S DAY Wherever May Irwin is, there is sure to be wholesome laughter and funny doings. This time Miss Irwin is on her celebrated farm on Lake Ontario, and she writes to the " Universal Screen Magazine " telling ot her day's work, obligingly illustrating it with many amusing snapshots. A game of ball with friends put our heroine in trim for the duties of the day, which include milking, climbing a five-barred gate, and suchlike gentle diversions. Her herd of fine Jerseys is Miss Irwin's particular pride and source of revenue. We hope Miss Irwin will continue the illustrated correspondence she has so pleasantly begun. From fat little calfs to fat little babies seems a natural transition, and the editor shows us the special work being done by the Child Welfare Department ot the Women's Council of National Defense in keeping tabs on the condition of babies all over the country. " Weighing in " seems to bring tears to the victims, but the spectator is very likely to laugh sympathetically over their temporary plight. Aristocrats of the Colonial Dog Mart, and pictures of some very curious insects give Mr. Culbertson an opportunity for witty titles that develop the human or humorous side of the unconscious actors. A hint to a housewife shows her how to save by making an appetizing and economical salad of rice and tuna fish. Sam Lloyd, the puzzle expert, tests our guessing abilities by some clever cartoons. UNIVERSAL SCREEN MAGAZINE NO. 80. UNIVERSAL FILM MFG. CO. : JULY 19. KICKING A STICK FOR THE GODS There is novelty, action and great pictorial charm in the Outing-Chester scenic shown at the Strand during the week of June 23, and announced for release by Mutual on July 21. It records something probably never shown before in films, the " Kicking Race " held once a year as a religious ceremonial by the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. The village is divided into two parties, representing the Elder and Young God of War, who challenge each other to kick a small stick across twenty-five miles of sagebrush desert. The event is preceded by a ceremonial supper of cornbread, and spirited betting of jewelry and blankets, which latter activity is kept up during the race itself by those not fortunate enough to own a horse to follow the runners. The picture shows the women making the bowls and the bread tor the ceremony ; the spokesman of the gods, who utters the challenge from the housetops ; the pledging of the family wealth on the event ; and the race itself, with the gallery following on horseback. There are close-ups showing what happens when the stick, which must not be touched except with the foot, gets down a hole under a sagebrush root. As usual, the apt titles, with their well-bred humor, add to the picture's value. A ZUNI KICKING RACE. MUTUAL FILM CORP.: JULY 21. TWO ENTERTAINING SUBJECTS AND A CARTOON More startling revelations of the manner in which the Metropolitan Life cares for its employees comprise the first half of this Pictograph. Those who develop the first symptoms of tuberculosis are immediately sent to the beautiful sanitarium maintained by the company. Here they receive every care, the best of food and are afforded opportunities to engage in all sports and Dutdoor work. The Metropolitan appears to be before its time in the co-operative plan as this picture and various others in the series demonstrate most interestingly. Some scenes of tumbling brooks and waterfalls with bathers enjoying themselves in divers and sundry ways have been assembled under the title of " Nature's Shower-Baths." These make an ideal summer picture, pretty in the bargain, as the majority of the scenes have been artistically photographed. Another one of Earl Hurd's amusing animated cartoons entitled " Bobby Bumps Becomes an Ace," closes the reel. Bobby, securing an airplane, downs five German fliers who come forth from a submarine, anxious to avenge their captain, who has been stung in the trousers by Bobby's slingshot. Subsequently he dubs himself an Ace, and gleefully watches the shattered submarine seek refuge by the " Mother ship." Bobby forgets his own mother, who straightway makes her appearance. She, however, proves a poor harbor of refuge, as Bobby realizes in the last scene when he is spanked. Mr. Hurd makes his cartoons amusing to both young and old, and the animation is developed to a state closely bordering on perfection. PARAMOUNT-BRAY PICTOGRAPH No. 27. PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORP. : JULY 7. A COOL FILM FOR A HOT DAY Lest we grow tired of his charges at the Zoo, Mr. Ditmars every now and then gives us glimpses of life seen only by the seeking and patient naturalist. His present release pictures some of the queer little creatures that dwell under ponds and subterranean waters. As if by way of contrast, the reel opens with a beautiful surf picture, which gives way to a quiet brook. Then follow studies of the reptiles and insects that live in and about the latter. The dragon fly is shown in the nymph stage, and later when he casts his shell and puts forth wings. A close-up of him devouring a mosquito indicates his value in the community. The water stick, looking just like a twig, and the water boatman, whose legs are planned on the lines of an outrigger, are amusing and interesting. Introduced by two charming views of a falls whose waters seek and flow beneath the ground are pictures of an eyeless salamander and a blind and sluggish frog who dwell in the dark river. The exquisite tone of the picture, a gray-blue extremely restful and pleasing to the eye, adds greatly to the attractiveness of this fine reel. LIFE IN INLAND WATERS. EDUCATIONAL FILMS CORP.: JULY. CELEBRATING THE FALL OF THE BASTILLE One of the most interesting features of a diversified reel is the New York celebration of the fall of the Bastille at the Joan of Arc monument in Central Park. There are many other items of present-day importance, which embrace a visit to the trenches in France, where the noble services rendered by the Y. M. C. A. are amply dwelt upon; King Alfonso of Spain is seen witnessing a test of war planes ; Governor Dorsey of Georgia is shown vehemently declaring that the " man with the hoe " would win the war. These, and many other subjects which now occupy the public mind are beautifully reproduced in Mutual's Screen Telegram, No. 40, which is scheduled for release July 21. LAST INSTALLMENT OF "BRITAIN'S BULWARKS" This, the last number of Charles Urban's pictures, showing the most entertaining features of warfare, is probably the best. It is entitled " The Canadians at Vimy Ridge," and shows this branch of Britain's great army in active duty either back of or in the front line trenches. There are scenes of exceptional interest which show the hauling of ammunitions to the front line trenches over newly-laid rails. Closeups of various types of German prisoners lend the number additional interest. A LAND OF MARVELS AND DANGERS " The Rainbow Bridge," the latest Newman Travel, to be released by the Educational, is so very interesting that we cannot help wishing it had been just a little better, and so on a par with the scenic and travel films that rank in the first class. Photographically, it is not what it should be, and we feel that Mr. Newman has missed an opportunity in not having obtained more views of the wonderful rock bridge as it must have appeared under different lights. But it may be that our quarrel is with conditions which made the taking of technically good pictures a practical impossibility. Be that is it may, the film is of a most unusual character and vividly interesting in showing over what almost impassable ground the caravan had to travel to reach its goal. The Bridge lies in southeast Utah, and can be reached only from a trail starting m New Mexico. And the trail is so called by courtesy only. Frequently it leads over rock walls so steep that even the surefooted mules stumble and have to be led. There is a point — remarkable scene, by the way, in which mules and riders seem to disappear into the very walls of the canyon. It is, indeed, a nightmare country, a fitting set for an Inferno, and figures on the screen in a reel which is in many respects unique, and in every respect a most interesting addition to an evening's program. THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. EDUCATIONAL FILM CORP. : JULY. WHEN THEIR WINGS GOT CLIPPED There is no reason why you can't be chesty even if you can't swim. That is, if you are Mutt and Jeff and have a pair of water wings handy. Just put on a swimming suit, insert an inflated wing under the front of the Jersey, and you will be amply equipped to win feminine admiration, if not Carnegie medals. But nothing works out as it is planned, even with the help of a Bradstreet kept handy for consultation before deciding on which of endangered damsels it might be most profitable to save. Poor Mutt gets nothing but embarrassment for his frantic efforts, while little Jeff, saved in the nick of time by the water wing on his chest, carries home the bacon in the shape of the long green. THE LIFE SAVERS. (Mutt and Jeff Cartoon). THE FINE POINTS OF A $10,000 JERSEY COW For a Jersey cow to bring $10,000 at public auction is some feat, but this is exactly what happened recently at Mt. Kisco, and Universal shows Prof. Hugh G. Van Belt pointing out the " beauty spots " ot this $10,000 bovine. This, and the wonderful effects of snow and frost on the waters of Niagara Falls, and the trees on its banks form the main topics of Universal Screen Magazine. No. 84, set for release Aug. 17. MRS. HEN DOES HER BIT Theatregoers who are also supporters of Mr. Hoover will view with envy pictures in the " Screen Magazine," which show the model methods followed by the Department of Agriculture in raising chickens. Despite the unusual facilities possessed by the Department, the most modest poultry raiser can learn something from the subject as it is handled in the " Magazine." Chauncey M. Depew, still smiling at the youthful age of eighty-four, gives his recipe for good luck and good spirits. The advice is shrewd, practical and optimistic, as we should expect from Mr. Depew's own success during and at the end of his long life. Always there are devised new ways to help out the labor shortage. In house building it is no longer necessary to employ the carpenter and bricklayer to put up the frame. A new machine, well illustrated on the screen, makes in twentyfours hours enough concrete blocks to build a fair-size dwelling. Some queer little lizards, who can change their colors, and can and do shed their skin in the picture, interject a comedy note between the more serious parts of the film, and Willie Hopkins, in the most interesting picture he has yet made, models little heads out of lumps of clay held during the entire process behind his back. UNIVERSAL SCREEN MAGAZINE NO. 81. UNIVERSAL FILM MFG. CO.: JULY 25.