Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

MOVIE MAKERS 469 both kinds — physical and cinematic. Unfortunately, the physical condition of the film (which was inexcusably scratched and dirty) did much to restrain the enthusiasm of the judges for a melodrama of real power. CALEDONIAN CHRONICLE: Esther Cooke showed intelligence and imagination in organizing the material of this travel study of Scotland, so that even the least observant should get from it a truly representative feeling of that doughty land. Well written titles serve as titles should, to infuse in the film pertinent data not shown in the scenes; technically, a less fussy style of title lettering would have been an improvement. Mrs. Cooke's slight camera unsteadiness in scenes of the King and Queen of England at the Scottish festival was understandable, for undoubtedly tripods were barred from that event. There were, however, a few other uneven shots that seemed to us questionable in value. Restrained use of bagpipe recordings highlight a generally effective musical score. CORNUCOPIA REVISITED: The Nordic sons who fish the icy waters of Lake Superior are the heroes of this story of Minnesota's northland. William C. Kuhl, in recording their struggles against nature for their daily livelihood, focuses attention on a single incident of one day's catch. The suspense element is effectively built up, the climax followed by quietly declining action to the end title. The camera technique is uniformly excellent. A less personal viewpoint in the narrative and a stronger musical scoring would have improved the overall quality of the presentation. FIRST DATE: The trials, tribulations and eventual triumphs of a teen aged young man embarked on his initial evening engagement are engagingly portrayed by John C. Sherard in First Date. Even the traditional nuisance role played by junior members of the girl's family is given a new angle — a trained flea circus on the loose. But this bit of business and others in a basically imaginative comedy are, on occasion, drawn out too much for the best dramatic pace. Outstanding in the film, however, is Mr. Sherard's use of Type A Kodachrome outdoors without the corrective filter to simulate moonlight. GASPESIA: Gannets are treated exhaustively and other aspects of life on Gaspe lightly in W. A. Levett's Gaspesia, a sound and often informative study of this tiny Canadian community. Mr. Levett has his Kodachrome under crisp control, and the strong textures in many of his sequences lend authenticity to a generally able film. The life of the gannets is admirably handled, though the time devoted to them tends to give the film a split personality. HARMONY OF THE BEES: Out of his personal experience, C. H. Bacon has produced an intimately documented Give Endless Entertainment and Education Model 63LMB 16mm Projector For Sound or Silent ri^\ MOVIE-MITE ... the FIRST precisionbuilt, extra light weight, compact 16mm projector . . . gives you ALL the advantages of finest 16mm projection (silent or sound) at low cost. MOVIE-MITE . . . complete with speaker, weighs only 26 lbs. Universal 25-60 cycle A.C. or D.C., 105-120 volt operation. Wrife for details. See your dealer for demonstration. Wmov Truman Road Kansas City 6, Mo. W CHRISTMAS FOREVER with W& sJ^awmada Motor Driven Rewinds Model PD-1 (Complete Unit) as shown The gift desired by every Movie Maker! Smooth running ball bearings. Easily operated . . . variable speed control— slip clutch for even tension. Price $105.00. Model PD-2. Single Unit. Ball Bearing Power Drive Rewind End only with foot speed control, slip clutch and throw-out clutch. Easily mounted. Price $87.50. Complete Assembly for hand rewinding and editing: No. 1 Board complete with two geared ends (2000 ft.), rewinds, Griswold Jr. Splicer, Cement holder and cement mounted on white enamel panel. Price $42.00. SEE YOUR DEALER TODAY! Other 16mm aids ideal for Christmas giving! Film Cabinets, Racks, Splicers, Tables, Reels, Cans, etc. kfrjffi/f'ft PRODUCTS CORP. 330 W. 4 2 ST. NEW YORK 18, N. Y.