Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

HIGHLIGHTS Films Reviewed by the Editor "A TALE of TWO CITIES" ONE naturally tends to look with misgivings upon the film version of such a classic as "A Tale of Two Cities." Dickens' drama of the terrors of revolution acquires sufficient vividity even through the comparatively unanimated medium of cold print ; but an exhibitor who has screened film interpretations of other sanguinary epics will feel that in "A Tale of Two Cities" he may find a. picture in which horror and death stalk too promiscuously and too realistically. This situation has arisen frequently, not because the producer failed to follow the text strictly, but for the very reason that he did ; for the literal film reproduction of a stirring drama — in all the reality impossible of achievement in type — too often comes forth a thing of blood and fire, altogether unfit for classroom or auditorium. This prologue is important as emphasizing the fact that the film herein discussed has chosen its path happily — has retained the truth and spirit of the deathless story without rendering the version hideous and dangerous to the child mind. I feel that the review of such a famous writing needs but to cover certain salient points, discussion of which will determine immediately the appropriateness of the film for the reader's particular purposes. Is the picture a reasonably accurate reproduction of the story found in the written drama? Are the settings and characters so portrayed as to constitute the picture of value for instructional purposes? Finally, does the film hold scenes — whether part of the actual text or interpolations — that cannot be shown before the children without harm? v This 7-reel film does follow Dickens' writing very accurately, through to Sydney Carton's noble and stirring "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done ; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." I might say without undue sarcasm that this film seems to have been produced long enough ago so that it was handled in seriously capable fashion and with appropriate consideration of what the author himself desired to incorporate in his tale. The settings and characters cannot be criticized other than favorably, for they preserve the tone of the drama satisfyingly. William Farnum, as versatile and as accomplished as one would wish, plays the role of Charles Darnay and of his double, Sydney Carton ; this statement should reassure him who fears incapable portrayal of the action. As far as objectionable features of the production are concerned, I have no suggestions of cuts that would render the picture cleaner than it is at present. This assertion is an indication of the film's character, and not a guarantee that it will be considered uncensorable by every exhibitor. He who previews the film before his optience sees it will never find public explanations or apologies necessary. This film I deem a real accomplishment in the filming of literature. It is difficult to see how more could have been done, more executive intelligence exercised, in the retention of the story's strong tone and the exclusion of the horror so readily admitted because of the screen's vivid reflection of real life. I am glad to recommend this film for the use of any school, church, or other non-theatrical group for instructional or inspirational purposes. "A Tale of Two Cities" is distributed by the Fox Film Corporation, 55th Street and 10th Avenue, New York City, with branch offices in the larger cities. The LIFE of CHRIST IN "Behold the Man" will be found a picture that should receive the attention of all church exhibitors. Opinions will vary as to its worth in comparison with productions of a similar nature, but this re-edited edition of "The Life of Our Savior" decidedly is a factor in the realm of religious motion pictures. A modern family is seated at home after dinner, the young boy and girl engaged in a game of dominoes. But the peace is broken by a sudden dispute over the game, and the parents interfere and arbitrate the case. Mother decides to read to her children the story of Christ's life, and then we are shown in pictures what she is verbally portraying for the youngsters. The general facts of the Savior's appearance to men are given : the star in the East, the birth of the Holy Child, his work in the carpenter shop with Joseph, his talk with the astonished elders at the ':. ', EFtf.-. 'W^ '^wWi^J^hj^V^ /■MP I lit: o 1 Ik W ' m -A ■¥R ;r^ LSI 8 ~%fc ■■•' m ' 1 mf 11 % 1 ~^fy$*$j£/ _ I Jesus Exhorts the Woman of Samaria temple, Christ's baptism by John the Baptist, a number of miracles he performed, etc. ; and finally the pre-crucifixion incidents, the crucifixion itself, and Jesus' last appearance are pictured. The characters of the picture are well handled, Christ himself being shown in a way that would inspire respect and love for him in the child. I feel that the most effective use of this film would be in connection with the services of a kindergarten or Sunday school. The physical condition of the print I was shown requires consideration, although of course I can say nothing as to other prints of "Behold the Man." This print was quite "rainy" in spots, although its condition improved in the later reels of the seven. The film is reproduced in colors, which in many ways adds to its value ; but, as the color work was performed in times when that art was less highly developed than at present, the colors are occasionally so applied as to prove none too satisfactory. These points should be kept in mind, for they always have a degree of importance, but the two objections did not, to speak personally, keep me from finding a goodly quantity of enjoyment and religious instruction in "Behold the Man." As a film for children I consider this picture to have distinct worth. "Behold the Man" is distributed by Pathe Exchange, Inc., 35 W. 45th Street, New York City, with branches in the larger cities of the country. LETTING IN the LIGHT RATHER a unique type of picture is offered you in the five reels of "Open Shutters." The story is written by Clara Louise Burnham, well known in the field of literature, and is based on the theme that one should open his heart and both admit and dispense love, rather than be a mortal house whose shutters are closed to exclude the warming, life-giving sunshine. Sylvia is enjoying a happy, careless existence as the companion of her artist father. The artist had his group of friends always ready to waste the moments with him ; and also there was Nat, the vaudeville specialist who was inveterately about to break into "big time," and who thought more than occasionally of Sylvia. But over night the joy of life fled; for the artist's cough made a determined and fatal onslaught, and Sylvia was alone in the world — even the reliable Nat being out on the circuit. To be sure, there were relatives way down east ; and the deceased artist's friends decided that it would be well to find Sylvia a home with these New England folks. The reception of the spirited, affectionate girl by the somewhat cold and formal relatives in Boston was an ill omen for the days to come, for Sylvia determined not to thrust herself into the lives of these seemingly cold {Continued on page 30) 21