Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

HIGHLIGHTS Film Reviews by the Editor, with Brief Film Comme?its by Other Members of the National Academy of Visual Instruction "LAVENDER and OLD LACE' MUCH as certain producers and distributors may contradict the statement, it is absolutely true that non-theatrical films are chosen or rejected with reference to a number of fairly definite standards. It is a satisfaction to the able to say that "Lavender and Old Lace" goes far along the lines of what is considered good in the non-theatrical field, and to state that this version, improved by judicious cutting, could qualify as a 100 per cent clean and satisfying non-theatrical film. (Oh, for that happy day when the non-theatrical distributor will be so farsighted as to cut the material that is off-color and then send me the film for review, so that I may honestly and heartily commend his offering rather than be forced to point out these so-obvious discrepancies !) The tone of the picture is ideal. You probably know the story — of the sea captain who went on a voyage, and of the lover who awaited his return in vain, and of the youth who finally proved to be the son of the man who had not returned to his betrothed. The leading character is a beautiful soul, and the story of her guiding influence is charming and effective. The comedy of the film provides the false tone, and, as I have indicated, there is no reason why this film cannot be cut at a few points and made a genuinely high-grade production. The rural youth and maiden provide a comedy element that falls short in quality but is mainly permissible morally. However, the efforts of Mr. Ball to be funny are painfully cheap and a detriment to the tone of idealism established in the story. This perversion of humor descends to vileness in the subtitle concerning the identity of the horse. The subtitle mentioned should be shown under no circumstances, and the exhibitor who seeks the worthiest results will review the entire production and do the work that should have been done by the distributor before this film was released for our field. The slapstick episode of the baby carriage, following one of the most dramatic points of the picture, violates the entire effect and mocks the intelligence of the beholders. "Lavender and Old Lace," produced in six reels by Hodkinson, is distributed in the non-theatrical field by the Fine-Art Film Co. 804 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago. The Editor "RIP VAN WINKLE" ONE naturally looks to the film version of Washington Irving's renowned sketch as something that should more closely approximate the non-theatrical exhibitor's ideal than does most of the material at hand ; and in many ways one is not disappointed. Thomas Jefferson plays the role of Rip — and Thomas Jefferson is never at a loss to achieve the very spirit of his part. In general the picture may be classed as a very capable piece of portraiture. The question of the film's desirability for your showings would seem to hinge upon your attitude toward the alcoholic spirit and flavor of the story's action. Drinking is an inseparable feature of the story and of the film, and to a degree of prominence that cannot be overlooked. It might be possible to trim down these scenes to a more reasonable quantity, but this would hardly be worthwhile unless the distributor himself were to prove his desire to render real service by taking the task in hand. A point worthy of strong commendation is the portrayal of Rip's wife. The characterization of a seeming scold who in her heart really loved and was solicitous of her weak husband — this is a most excellent piece of work. This feature alone compensates in part for the less worthy features. Rip Van Winkle, produced in five reels by Hodkinson, is ditributed in the non-theatrical field by the Fine-Art Film Co., 804 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago. The Editor PRIMARILY for RURAL USE IN the three-reel production "The Homestead" is found material that should be screened in every small town and rural district in the United States, for the wholesomeness and general worthwhile ness of it. The story concerns the young farmer who was satisfied to use the farming methods of his father until he discovered what finer results were being achieved by his neighbors. Then he becomes acquainted with the representative of the state agricultural association, and soon has become convinced of the advantages of modern farming methods to the point where he plans to lay out his own farm in approved fashion the following year. A satisfying amount of figures is shown, so that the farmer who sees this picture realizes that he is dealing with practical material and not with mere theory. I highly recommend this film for use in any community interested in agriculture, and I fail to see how any county agent can consider his work satisfactory if he has not given his people the benefit that is to be derived from seeing "The Homestead." "The National Swine Show" is a one-reel production specifically for the man who raises livestock. It portrays the national show at Peoria in 1921. Prize winners of the various breeds are shown, and the farm-bureau members will consider this picture reason enough for attendance in large numbers. "Chinch Bugs" is an extremely practical one-reel discussion of the chinch bug and its control. Its effect upon crops is shown, after which we see a list of the various methods by which the pest's work may be thwarted. Then detailed views are given of the procedure in the creosote method, considered the most effective of the methods listed. This is followed by views of the application of kerosene, which is considered as next to creosote in order of value. The explanatory and pictorial material is clear, and the film is unusually successful in driving home its message. These films are distributed by Homestead Films, 7510 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago. The Editor BRIEF COMMENTS Mesa Verde. Reels, 2. Denver and Rio Grande Railway. — This gives a map locating the ruins, and follows this by excellent views of the camp and the principal ruins visited by tourists, bringing out well the idea that these buildings were probably put here because of ease of defense. The excavation of newly discovered ruins is shown, as are some of the relics discovered in them. Rupert Peters, Kansas City (Mo.) Public Schools. The Beggar Maid. Reels, 2. Hodkinson. — This is a mythical story that serves to illustrate how Sir Edward Burne-Jones, the artist, happened to paint his famous study called "The Beggar Maid," suggested by the poem of the same name by Tennyson. The picture is very interesting, and is valuable in educational entertainment. No cuts needed. A. L. Hartman, Kansas State Normal School. Out of the Shadows. Reels, 2. U. S. Dept. Agr. — The importance of the tuberculin test as applied to dairy cattle, and the relationship of bovine tuberculosis to human tuberculosis, vividly portrayed. Direction, continuity, photography very good. Effective use can be made of this film for Pure Milk campaigns in cities and towns. County agents have used this picture with wonderful results as a preliminary for 'the accredited-herd work. Charles Roach, Iowa State College. Hats Off! Reel, 1. Society for Visual Education. — The story of this patriotic film is taken from the viewpoint of Boy Scouts studying the history of the American flag. Short sketches show the making of the flag-, the dates of its adoption by Congress, and the scenes of 76, 1812, '61, and 1917, emphasizing the patriotic appeal to true American citizens and the spirit with which our soldiers have always fought. Uncle Sam shows the boys why all • true Americans should remove their hats when the flag passes. The scenes are well arranged and the photography is very good. The educational points are correct, and the film holds the interest throughout. A. L. Thomas, Alabama Polytechnic Institute. 17