Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1912)

378 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD THE CARROT CATERPILLAR (Pathe). This most beautifully colored film is perhaps the best of its kind yet produced; intensely interesting, it is a source of admiration to all who see it. As an educational film it is unique, tracing the caterpillar through its chrysalis stage to the butterfly, while every detail of growth, change and development is fully noticeable. The sub-titles to this film are such that a complete lesson is learned at one showing, proving the great advantage so often claimed for the cinematograph as a teacher. The habits and nature of this wonderful insect are described by the following heads, each of which in turn Is most beautifully illustrated: 1. This caterpillar lives only in the carrot field and its color is such that it is easily hidden among the leaves. 2. It propels itself with six feet and twelve "suction cups." The feet are situated near the head and the twelve "suckers" behind them. 3. For its defense against its enemies, this kind of caterpillar has a pair of collapsible horns which it can project at will. 4. The horns secrete a liquid which smells like valerian, which bad odor keeps the caterpillar's foes at a respectful distance. 5. It feeds only upon the leaves of the carrot, but is not a parasite harmful to vegetation. Perhaps the most interesting picture in the series, and one which affords information unknown to the casual observer or amateur naturalist, is that showing the change from the caterpillar to the chrysalis; the violent convulsions which accompany this change is wonderful and must be seen to be realized. Some idea of the same may be found from the following descriptions: 6. When the caterpillar has attained its full growth, it affixes itself to some surface by means of a glutinous substance for its transformation into a chrysalis. 7. Forty-eight hours later, in a violent convulsion, the chrysalis breaks the shell of the primitive caterpillar and appears in the form which it will retain throughout the winter. 8. It is one of the most mysterious problems of nature, that though this chrysalis turns entirely into a liquid state inside of its skin, life does not become extinct. 9. Finally it becomes immovable and throughout the winter the mysterious transformation is accomplished. In, the chrysalis are being formed the body and wings of the machaon butterfly. The third change to the butterfly is the beautiful one and commands the closest attention of the observer: 10. When the springtime comes to awaken the earth, the butterfly is formed. One morning it laboriously disengages itself from the chrysalis shell and lives perfectly formed, but unable to fly. 11. The new-born wings are as yet but stumps; in order that they may properly develop, the butterfly must bathe for a quarter of an hour in the spring dew. 12. Rising superbly above its prison, it basks in the caresses of the sunshine and offers to the morning breeze its variegated wings. 13. Its first hopeful steps carry it about its entire domain, but it is still afraid to fly. 14. Its first flower. The fully developed beautiful butterfly is now seen struggling on the petals of its first flower, ere it realizes the strength of its wings to carry it away in the sunlight. If ever there was a picture which should be shown in all the schools this is the one, as nowhere has nature unfolded more beautiful secrets than in the metamorphosis of the butterfly, hence our reason for giving so much detail and space to this most worthy film. ADVANCES. Further to the "Zionist Movement Pictures" exhibition recorded last week, the New York section of the "Council of Jewish Women" gave an exhibition of Bible stories in the Republic Theater on January the 21st. While this is another commendable advance, the council is in error in announcing themselves as "the first to teach religion by moving pictures"; if they read the Moving Picture World they would know that they are worthily following an already well-established lead, and in doing so are very properly encouraging the educational work which is here being continuously advocated and recorded. This "Council of Jewish Women" will no doubt find their efforts appreciated and their example followed in many parts of the country; it is for this purpose we make this mention of their timely exhibition. The last issue of "The Ladies' Home Journal" has an e torial on the "perversion and abuse of that which is gooi in this instance referring especially to the moving pictu The editor announces the complaints of "hundreds of p ents" condemning the pictures as a "menace to our youn With a knowledge worthy of the one well acquainted w moving pictures and supported with commendable wisdi the editor of the "Journal" replies that "the moving picti is destined to play a tremendous part in all educational, ligious and social uplift work." Asserting that in a measi the demand creates the supply, the "Journal" contends t' if pictures of a higher type and educational in character .: required, the exhibitors will respond and all causes of coplaint be removed. It is pleasant to read the healthy opinion of "The Lad;' Home Journal" and to add its name to the list described 1 this page last week of those who are now giving the edutional picture unqualified praise. The illustrated or picture newspaper continues to ca ; unabated interest and by its high class work satisfies ear expectations. Where it is shown as a regular and permanit feature on a fixed night the exhibitor is always sure of s full houses. In a way its coming is as anticipated as its diV printed predecessor. ' Never did a newspaper so thoroughly convey news. ';« picture paper has the advantage, however, that it perseis nothing but news; no scandal or "fill ups," but news at fit hand from every part of the world. The extraordinary [• riety is one of its strongest features, embracing everyth'g of interest between the poles. History was recently emphasized in the picture showig the moving of the house in which Benedict Arnold was cct martialed. Science by aviation feats by Captain Bellanger with le King of Servia and President of the French Republicis spectators. Sports has the Crown Prince of Germany in an anial hunting expedition and the driving tandem of 40 untrai^d horses by a lieutenant of French artillery, and fire departnat ladder climbing contests. Large fires have recently afforded several opportunities jr people to see, as well as to read, the terrible havoc and gat loss occasioned thereby. The after efifects of disasteny storm and railroad wrecks are also recorded. Peace and War are contrasted by views of the officerof the American Army and Navy paying their respects to Piiident Taft on New Year's Day; and the latest incidents inhe Italo-Turkish struggle. ' Religion is contrasted by the carrying of the sacred cart from Cairo to the Holy City of Mecca and the enthusipc reception given to Cardinal Farley on his return to Jsw York. 1 Art is often called upon to illustrate martyrdom, andlie monument erected to the memory of the victims of the los .\ngeles Times dynamite outrage will be seen by milliorof peoples, who will register their resentment of crimes by)Jpocrisy. The funeral of .Admiral Evans (Fighting Bob) strengthen the memory of this popular hero. ill THE VOCATIONAL PICTURE. The vocational school is now a certainty; vocational ec:ation has long been an anticipated necessity among educaiTS; its accomplishment was, however, difficult. Nothing las helped to solve the problems and bring nearer the actual o*' sible school than the cinematograph. Herein is anotheinstance of a great development towards a deliverance victi proved difficult for lack of that which the cinematog;.|)li gives. Nowhere is the moving picture more useful th<; m this particular; technical and demonstrative examples «« out of th'e question in the vocational school; neither cou!,the ideal school be taken to witness the practical workinfj to necessary for that instruction which intimate acquainvJtt and experience could alone impart. The cineniatograptBts overcome the difficulty, and, bridging the gulf, broughthe two together. Thus the vocational school is now not nly possible but actualized. Within the room of practical ;ji<iy the living artisans can be seen upon the screen in generainii in detail, so that the education which is knowledge is sublcmented with that education which is practical, causing »'" and hand to be alike trained in that which is of material 'i" and profit. The column of titles descriptive of the natii 0! films produced by the manufacturer is enlarged by an n«f branch of educational production — the vocational