Moving Picture World (April 1912 - June 1912)

n8 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD "SAUL AND DAVID" (C. G. P. C.) It is a pleasure to welcome another picture to the too slowly increasing list of educational films and especially of the Biblical order. Additionally interesting because of its coloring, giving richness to the whole, "Saul and David" adds another link to what cannot too soon become a satisfactory series. Creditable in the main and pleasing to the average beholder, it would be better if the sub-title explained to the less knowing ones the magnanimity of David in sparing Saul's life when it was in his power to take it. Educationally the film can be profitably used by any capable lecturer, or teacher, as interest can be imparted by taking the pictures as a comprehensive illustrator. The scenes open where David demands of Saul his daughter Michal as wife, in fulfillment of a previous promise. Saul keeps his word, but is later jealous of David's increasing popularity. This jealousy is formed into a murderous hatred when Saul's own son, Jonathan, declares his love for David and refuses to be an avenger of his father's hatred. David, upon Jonathan's advice, flees from Saul, and is helped by the High Priest, who also gives him the sword of Goliath, whom he had previously slain. Saul multiplies his sin in causing the death of the priests who thus helped David. Following David to the cave in which he with his followers is hiding, Saul spends the night there. While asleep David's guards would slay him, but David interposes. The cause for David's interposition ought to be given here, but it is strangely missing. David would not consent to the "slaying of the Lord's annointed." Cutting off a piece of Saul's garment, David is able the next morning to prove to Saul how nearly he had been to his death. Convinced of the righteousness of David, Saul relents his anger and takes him to his arms as a son, while Jonathan is rejoiced. The abbreviated story is so far well told. The picture is in that stage of satisfaction which these pictures have thus far reached, but like all its predecessors lacking in that thoroughness which would make it more valuable to the "educator." However, we are glad to have it, and ask for more, knowing that they will increase in the power of imparting truth and knowledge as they increase in familiarity of frequent production. All the essentials of a good Biblical picture are present in "Saul and David," and it should be seen by all lovers and students of these pictures who are desirous of encouraging this valuable class of work. With a closer following of the text and teaching of the original from which these subjects are taken, a large field is open and a larger public waiting to accord them a hearty reception. "THE BEE" (Eclair). In happy contrast to the unclean and dangerous housefly, the Eclair Company has a splendid film on the clean, honeyproducing bee. The whole process of bee culture is shown in detail from beginning to end. As a series of pictures it is intensly interesting; as a teacher of the value of the bee and its honey-producing powers it is most instructive. Like its companion picture, "The Fly," it is perfect in its line, because it isvboth thorough and complete; there is nothing to be added, no deficiency to be rectified. It is as ready for the classroom as a lesson as it is for the theater as an entertainer. With these subjects the educational films have some valuable additions. INCIDENTS OF THE DURBAR. Only second in importance to the full records of the famous historical event of the first coronation of an emperor of India, Pathe's "Incidents of the Durbar" are an exceedingly interesting collection. With evident care and good taste several of the most important occasions and some of the most impressive scenes are presented. The enormous plains upon which the great and wonderful city of White was formed is perhaps unsurpassed in splendor; it would scarcely seem possible to produce from the simple tent such conveniences and luxury. The surroundings of several of the Maharajahs were fully equal man in the world (in weight only), as he weighs 600 pounds, to the recognized reputation of their wealth and magnificence. Several of these interesting Hindoo rulers are shown in most excellent portraiture. Views of details are given indicative of the character of the whole, including two sections of King George V's personal appearances. For comprehensiveness, views of "a portion of the multitude" show the vast and varied crowd of a nature impossible only in India. A regiment of soldiers mounted on camels is worthy of special mention as showing the varied nature of the home and foreign troops. As one of the most important historical events in the history of the world it is the privilege of every one not to lose of a nature possible only in India. A COMBINATION OF INTERESTING SUBJECTS. The illustrated newspaper (Pathe's Weekly) is always good, but, perforce of circumstance, variable as news must necessarily be. Two recent issues, however, are above the average, making them of commanding interest. It is a pleasure to note both the progressive value of the picture news, as also of the ever increasing interest shown by the world of readers. It is also worthy of notice that the pictures themselves have greatly improved, better views and closer details together with much clearer pictures mark the advance of these most recent issues. Seven countries contribute their most important events, in several of which the rulers are conspicuous ; indeed we are rapidly becoming intimately acquainted with the important personages of this world by means of these pictures. Governmental affairs enter largely in recent events. The delegates from the Lawrence strikers are shown in their appearance before the Congressional Committee on labor conditions in the House Office Building in Washington. President and Mrs. Taft are shown in most excellent likenesses taking their afternoon walk in the White House Grounds. The President is also seen in company with the Governor of Massachusetts and the Mayor of Boston reviewing the Evacuation Day Parade in Boston. Russia and France meet in a remarkable manner when the city councilmen of Paris dedicated in Moscow a monument erected to the memory of those who perished one hundred years ago on the occasion of Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Moscow. An event marking a new era for Spain is the launching of the first battleship of the new navy. This event coming at the time of the burial of the Maine is eloquent of important historical events. The King and Queen of Spain are the central figures. The continued boiling of Mexican troubles, caused by rulers and would-be rulers, past, present and future, keeps interest in that country alive, besides making us acquainted with many unique characters, teaching lessons in both geography and history. Austria is represented by the magnificent obsequies of Count Alois d'Aehrenthal. late Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose burial was with splendid military honors. The authority of the law was perhaps never so strangely pictured as when rivers of wine were set flowing from 184 barrels and 750 bottles, seized by the authorities from illegal drinking resorts; the hearts of many temperance advocates will rejoice as they see this flowing to waste of the accursed fluid. Another and similarly strange picture is that of the New York police throwing into the ocean's depth guns, revolvers by the hundreds, and all classes of weapons, confiscated and taken from lawbreakers and criminals in New York City alone, to the extent of over ten thousand dollars in value. Aviator Coffyn is seen making his sensational flight over New York City and bay in his hydroplane "The Canvas Back Duck." It is a singular freak of scientific fate that this man has so far proved himself safer in the air than on terra firma. In contrast to this is shown the debris of the monoplane, in which aviator Gilbour met his death in England. To the joy of the American citizen Col. Roosevelt is depicted doing his duty as a juryman in his home county. Although willing to discharge his functions as a citizen he is rejected by lawyers, who feared his personality would overshadow the real issue. The other extreme in a big citizen is shown in the person of W. F. Brinson, of Georgia, who qualifiies as the largest which dieting fails to reduce