Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Four Motion Picture Reviews 3. Encourage study and action looking towards local control of exhibition, after block booking has been abolished. 4. Encourage production of films to meet community needs. 5. Bring about the creation of a joint descriptive service of current films. The Council will seek the cooperation of educational, social and religious agencies in establishing and maintaining such a service. 6. Encourage the teaching of film appreciation, by its introduction into high schools and voluntary groups. 7. Secure organic affiliation with local groups and regional associations interested in the improvement of films, and build up membership in the Council in all ways not inimical to the interests of cooperating groups. 8. Act as a central bureau of information. 9. Make necessary research studies. The following studies have been given specific approval: (a) Trade practices (immediately) (b) Film content and influence (continuous) (c) Alleged violation of Part 1, Article 7, of the NRA Code (continuous) (d) Film library problems (e) Foreign influence of American films in cooperation with State Department. (f) The effectiveness of programs directed towards better film conditions 10. Cooperate with other agencies to establish a National Film Institute for such purposes as the following: to serve as a clearing-house for information concerning educational and cultural films; to stimulate the production of educational and historical films; to promote the appreciative and critical study of motion pictures as a form of art; and to perform other appropriate activities of a national character. IV. PROGRAM FOR LOCAL CHAPTERS 1. Organize an immediate campaign of information directed toward the complete elimination of compulsory block booking and blind selling. 2. Promote such other legislative projects as may be recommended by the Motion Picture Research Council. 3. Study the problems of social control of the motion picture industry; laws and ordinances, methods of booking, and so forth. 4. Study the content of the offerings currently appearing in the local theatres with a view to formulating policies for the improvement of motion pictures. 5. Inform the community of results of research by the Motion Picture Research Council and other agencies. 6. Promote the teaching of motion picture appreciation in high schools, clubs and other adult groups. 7. Promote the use of educational films in schools and churches. 8. Study the motion picture as an art of expression. O FEATURE FILMS ACE OF INNOCENCE » » John Boles, Irene Dunne, Lionel Atwill. From the novel by Edith Wharton. Adapted by Sarah Mason and Victor Heerman. Direction by Philip Moeller. R-K-O. This is an interesting, delicately handled adaptation of the novel. While one may neither condone nor sympathize with the behavior of the characters, the situation seems true to life and the solution logical. The problem presented is that of a man who loves a married woman yet marries another, and remains true to her because circumstances defeat his inclinations. The picture shows both the weaknesses and the strength of the characters. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Too mature No THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET » » Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Maureen O’Sullivan. From the play by Rudolph Besier. Direction by Sidney Franklin. M-C-M. The love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning has the double fascination of dealing with real people and of being in itself a charming romance. No one could fail to follow with absorbed interest the story of how Elizabeth, the frail invalid poetess, is brought back to health by the radiant personality and spiritual vitality of her poet lover, and of how she is at last able to escape the domination of her unnaturally stern and jealous father. It is presented on the screen with exquisite finesse, and though the play necessarily has been elaborated upon,