Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1947)

13 NO MIRACLES TO those of us who had to do with the beginning of sixteen and eight millimeter filming, the verylarge development of public interest in this medium brings us something of the feeling of a parent whose son has become a national figure. We watched the new child, we believed in his future, we did our best to give him a chance to grow into his powers. We knew that he was a child, but we foresaw the man of the years to come. We tried to be modest about what he would do, but now and then we bragged and prophesied. In 1947, the general film, as opposed to the theatrical movie made for entertainment, is apparently to be set at many tasks. The United Nations organization seems to intend to use it, as various governments are already using it, to advance viewpoints and to persuade acceptance of them. More widespread use of movies in education is assured. Business rates movies high on the list of sales methods. Our child of a quarter century ago is in a fair way to be looked upon as the miracle man who can accomplish everything for everybody. We know that he is capable, but we are a little concerned lest too much be expected from him. We think that we not only know some of the things that motion pictures can do, but that we have a fair idea of their limitations. They can record and give back to us at will incidents and events, as can no other medium. They can arouse emotions. They can persuade us to action. But they cannot carry on abstract discussions, nor can they offer anything like the precision and clarity of the printed or spoken word, when we deal with situations where the mind is required more than is the heart. Because films are emotional in their appeal, they can easily become inexact and try to cover more territory than they should. They start feelings in audiences that may go on to entirely different results than those that the filmer intended to produce. As the child of 1923 comes into the maturity of 1947, those who have watched over its youth hope that the new paths to which it is urged will be those in which its effectiveness can really operate and that it will not be called upon to accomplish those things for which it is not designed. We can best serve the future of the general film if we do not claim too much for it. It can best serve, if we who know its limitations make them clear to the great numbers of people who are looking to it for miracles. lAUNDER^ ACL Founded in 1926, the Amateur Cinema League, Inc., publisher of Movie Makers, is an international organization of filmers. The League offers its members help in planning and making movies. It aids movie clubs and maintains for them a film exchange. It has various special services and publications for members. The League completely owns and operates Movie Makers. Your membership is invited. Five dollars a year. Address all inquiries to AMATEUR CINEMA LEAGUE, INC. 420LEXINGTON AVE..NEWYORK 1 7, N.Y..U.S.A. Amateur Cinema League offices are open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Mondays through Fridays THE AMATEUR CINEMA LEAGUE, INC. Hiram Percy Maxim, Founder DIRECTORS STEPHEN F. VOORHEES, President JOHN V. HANSEN, Vice President ETHELBERT WARFIELD, Treasurer C. R. DOOLEY . MRS. L. S. GALVIN . H. EARL HOOVER HAROLD E. B. SPEIGHT PHILIP N. THEVENET FLOYD L. VANDERPOEL ROY W. WINTON, Managing Director New York City Washington, D. C. New York City . Summit, N. J. . Lima, Ohio . Chicago, 111. . Elmira, N. Y. . Dallas, Texas Litchfield, Conn. New York City