Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1918)

640 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 2, 1918 The Russian Art Films a By Robert C. McElravy IT is pleasing to note that the American public is giving evidence of a growing appreciation of the Russian photoplays brought to this country by N. S. and Madame Kaplan, in which are featured Ivan Mozukin and other prominent actors and actresses of the Moscow Art Theater. The general artistry of these productions was apparent with the very first release, named "The Painted Doll," and has been maintained in three subsequent features. There is no reason to doubt that the same high standard has been maintained throughout the entire group of features brought to this country by the Kaplans, which will be reviewed individually, as heretofore, in this publication as they appear from time to time. It is clearly evident that the best of Russian literature and dramatic ability has been drawn upon in the making of these photoplays. As was pointed out in the first commendatory review of these films in the Moving Picture World, the tragic note is frequently sounded ; this in marked contrast with prevailing American methods. The Russian films, in other words, incline to what has been termed "the inevitable ending" rather than idealized or happy ending. This was the thing that gave the reviewer some slight shivers of apprehension as to the reception that might be accorded these films by our own public. Would it welcome the profound realism of these stories, the simple, direct treatment of intensely dramatic situations, which fascinate and at the same time rather horrify the observer? The answer is now at hand, and numerous exhibitors not only report a successful showing of the first releases, but are asking for more. It requires no very prolonged analysis to get something of an idea as to why our public should accept Russian tragedy with approval, when it might regard the same element in American made films as unpleasant or depressing. It is because the somber note is indigenous to Russian art and literature. These photoplays are cut off the same piece of cloth with the writing of Gogol, Tolstoy, Turgueneff, Pushkin and the numerous lesser lights of Russian literature. In fact a number of the present releases are by Pushkin. They reflect with truth and conviction the life of an intense, passionate people, held for centuries in abject serfdom ; a people whose sole weapon against overwhelming oppression was art. How gloriously they learned to wield this weapon ! How magnificently Russian hopes and aspirations shone through the outward gloom of their books and plays, until at length when the moment came to throw off the shackles, the whole vast domain made its grasp for freedom, without a dissenting voice. Through the medium of the film it is now being made possible to get a further understanding of Russian life and conditions prior to the revolution. Several of the film stories thus far released have been adaptations of the work of Alexander Pushkin, the brilliant, erratic genius often referred to as the Russian Byron. One of these is "The Queen of Spades," which was the sensation of all Russia at the time of its original appearance, and was afterward adapted in operatic form, "Madame Pique." As a photoplay this is a striking success, introducing as it does, Ivan Mosukin, who scored in "The Painted Doll," as the gambler ; Mademoiselle Orlova as the girl, and Mademoiselle Duvan as the countess. The latter, portraying the aged grande dame who loses her life while guarding a three-card gambling secret, proves a figure not easily forgotten. Equally interesting is the work of Tanya Fetner as the wife in "The Painted Doll," and of Vera Colodnaya in "Her Sister's Rival." • "The Cloven Tongue," another Pushkin adaptation, is a slighter and less tragic subject, but provides good opportunities for Nadya Lesienka as . the charming but unscrupulous Circassian woman. The chief virtue of these features for American observers is that while they are tragic, they are not morbid. The brilliant character of their dramatic structure transcends and justifies the intensity of their subject matter. Then, too, there is an irresistible appeal in the authoritative scenes from Russian court life, of princes and nobles at the gaming tables, and of serfs and peasants and country gentry at their accustomed occupations. Casual Thoughts on Sunday Closing By Sam Spedon RUMORS to the contrary notwithstanding, we are going to have a repetition of the attempt to close motion picture theaters on Sunday. Be prepared. Do not be taken by surprise. We present these casual thoughts for your consideration rather than an analytical treatise on the subject. David slew Goliath with a pebble. Put these in your collection, they may come in handy. Every little bit helps. By closing motion picture theaters on Sunday, we open up various channels of dissipation. The number of persons, young and old without libraries and other diversions at home to beguile their leisure moments, become restless and their minds turn to demoralizing thoughts. We have known overworked husbands and wives to spend their spare time at home on Sunday, bewailing their hard lots and lack of pleasures. They have nothing else to do but express their dissatisfaction with life and themselves, to the demoralization of the rest of the family, while their wealthy townspeople beguile their spare moments in golfing and automobiling. Motion pictures have proven family peacemakers. They give the toilers a pleasure they should not be deprived of, which makes up for the privations of the six days of toil ; they bring the family closer together, giving them a chance to share a common enjoyment in each other's company, affording them new thoughts of an interesting, elevating and educational character. From Another Angle. Judging fron> the gloom in the faces of the "long-haired men" and the "short-haired women" no wonder so many side step the theories they preach. Close the "movies" Sundays and you furnish Satan with more mischief for idle minds to do. To many persons Sunday is the longest and gloomiest day of the week. Motion pictures have made it shorter and brighter for them. Motion pictures have helped make life more cheery for the boys in the cantonments and at the front. Why deprive theanx ious ones at home of their diversion? THOMAS BARBIN DIES. Thomas Barbin, a well-known Pittsburgh exhibitor and a prominent figure in organization work there, died on January 11. after a lingering illness. He was thirtv-six vears o'd. Mr. Barbin conducted the Reliable theater, Millvale, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He was a charter member and the first secretary of the Exhibitors' League of Pittsburgh. The deceased is survived by his widow and four children, three girls and a boy.