The Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1914)

MOTION PICTURE MAGAZINE 167 There has been so much improvement in Motion Pictures during the year just past, and it is apparently due to those connected with this great industry Considering the universal attention being attracted to the present standard in Motion Pictures attained by these capable forces, with such artists as Clara Kimball Young proved to be in "Love's Sunset" interpreting the characters (and this is only one of the many high-class dramas being produced ; the majority are those which tend to make us think, broadening our minds to view things justly and seek only the best), I am wondering why we should not trust to those forces to give us the best always, since that seems to be the intention. More and more the gruesome or objectionable are being eliminated from the photoplays as much as possible not to detract from the thread of the plot unraveling a moral (sometimes we must have a moral taught us), with producers demanding clean plays from the writers. It seems to me the film people are striving to please the public. This is not intended to convey to you an opinion concerning censorship, tho my remarks bear a resemblance, as I am not acquainted With the conditions existing for either side enough, so please read between the lines (this is not a scenario, or I would not dare ask that), only an earnest desire for the future success of this important industry. I really intended this to be just a note of thanks to you and your efficient staff for existing, and for "reel" pleasures that are real, so with apologies for intruding, will again disappear into the world of "silent fans" (of course you know such a world exists). Sincerely a well-wisher. Mrs. N-. E. D. This contributor from Spokane, Wash., has evidently made a careful study of pictures and picture actors : Spokane, Wash. Feb. 20, 1914. Dear Mr. Brewster : Altho I have been a reader of your wonderful magazine for the short period of four months. I take privilege and opportunity of writing you this letter. I shall begin this correspondence by expressing my opinions of a few plays I have recently seen. I refer to "A Hopi Legend" (Nestor), "The Trail of the Lost Chord" (American), "By Man's Law" (Biograph) and "The Jew's Christmas" (Rex). The first of these, written and produced by Wallace Reid, contained one great and very noticeable mistake. Indians are never known to employ the kiss as a token of love, yet Mr. Reid overlooked this fact when "the wandering brave" of the story kissed the Hopi maiden. This, in my judgment, should be charged against him as a very great fault. "The Trail of the Lost Chord" certainly was a fine play. The author surely shows his ability and talent in the writing of such work. Edwai-d Coxen's acting is also to be commended. "By Man's Law" is another play that is deserving of praise. The able directing of Mr. D. W. Griffith and the superb acting of D. Crisp and Mae Marsh aided greatly toward the making of it such a strong drama. To Miss Lois Weber we must also bestow our recognition of her intellectuality as a photoplay wright, for her play, '•The .lew's Christmas," was a very meritorious piece of work. The magnificent success of this play on the screen caused many other authors to write scenarios closely similar or on the same construction. In regard to the players. I wish to say that the ever-popular J. Warren Kerrigan is my favorite movie actor and hero. Rillie Rhodes, of the Kalem Company, is a very good actress, but I do not like to see hec wearing skin-and-hide "costumes," such as she was forced to wear in the pictures "Cavemen's War" and "Perils of the Sea." I consider the Universal Company very for Plots Wanted : : FOR MOTION PICTURE PLAYS : : You can write them. We teach beginners in ten easy lessons. We have many successful graduates. Here are a few of their plays : "The Germ in the Kiss" . . Universal "The Lure of Vanity" . . . Vitagraph "A Lively Affair" . . . Vitagraph "The Amateur Playwright" . Kinemacolor "A Soldier's Sacrifice" . . Vitagraph "No Dogs Allowed" . . Vitagraph "Captain Bill" . ... Universal "Her Brother's Voice" . . Selig "The Little Stocking" . . Imp "A Motorcycle Elopement" . Biograph "Downfall of Mr. Snoop" . . Powers "The Red Trail" .... Biograph "Insanity" Lubin "The Little Music Teacher" . Majestic "Sally Ann's Strategy" . . Edison "Ma's Apron Strings" . . . Vitagraph "A Cadet's Honor" . . . Universal "Cupid's Victory" . . . Nestor "A Good Turn" . . . Lubin "His Tired Uncle" . . . Vitagraph "The Swellest Wedding" . . Essanay If you go into this work go into it right. You cannot learn the art of writing motion picture plays by a mere reading of textbooks. Your actual original work must be directed, criticised, analyzed and corrected. 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