Moving Picture World (Jan-Jun 1910)

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD Kumor having alleged tli.-n the Bianchi camera in i the Powers works is not satisfactorj , we asked Mr. Erb tn explain his idea of the working of the instrument to us while we carefully examined a l)i» k of specimen prints made both inside and outside by means of this camera. Mr. Erb stated to us that ic fi tund it was a lerfectly sat i tory instrument, and that he was enabled t<> make pictures with it in the open air at Mr. Krb at the camera. SO S ill a 1 an aperture as I'. 11. Then came an actual trial of the Bianchi camera, with the writer of this article as the subject, i r, rather, one of the subjects. Mr. Erb filled the camera and took up his position, whilst this same present I innocent i writer was deputed by Stage Director Golden to enact the part of a society villain on account of his six feet and half an inch of height and alleged Mephistophelian aspect, though everybody knows he is the reverse of villainous. This was the story: We were supposed to be dallying with another man's spouse. Being discovered in the act by Pat Powers, he drew the attention of the outraged husband to the fact, whereupon there was a struggle between ourselves and the other man — a struggle to the death, in which we were remorselessly clubbed to death with an unloaded pistol. However, all ended well, for we. in company with the lady and the other three men in the part, subsequently bowed our ackm wledgment to Mr. Erb as be concluded turning the handle of the Bianchi camera. Thus ended the little Powers picture play in which the characters were impersonated by amateur actors tolerably well known in the moving picture field. The negative, when developed, showed that the camera gives a well-defined, well-exposed picture of very good quality. Mr. Powers and Mr. Erb claim that they obtain an even better picture with this camera than with other camera-. This interesting test over, we gratified our curiosity by a careful study, in company with several other visitors, of the Powers picture play release of April i_\ •'[lis Mother's Letter." First of all we followed the story without concentrating or focusing all our attention upon it. With Director Golden responsible, we expected to find a clearly told story witli strong dramatic point-. We were more than satisfied with the Story of *'IIis Mother's better." nay, we were very agreeably surprised and delighted. It tells the story of a boy going to Nevada, meeting with many adventures there and subsequently returning to his old mother and leaving the gold behind. This is one of the most powerful stories ever released by an Independent film manufacturer. (Due scene in the picture we shall not readilv forget: It is where the young miner, having lost all his money at poker, decides to rob the man who beat him at cards. They occupy adjoining rooms. The victorious gamester to bed. carefully placing a pistol on the chair to guard himself in I hen w >uld be thief stealing from his room with a huge, murder !•" king dagger in hi hand. 1 1 -urn the door of the bedroom win rem sleeps the man whom would rob. Then the latter awakened b) the sound and stretch out his band fi r In pistol. The wouldbe robber is jusl aboul to enter the room of In victim when hi chum arrives with a letter from In old mother, whi. thus unconsciously saves her boy from becoming criminal, or being -In t dead a one. This situation should make die fortune of tbi film, and, incidentally, the reputation of tin Powers Company a maker highl) dramatic moving photographs. Now, what about the photographic quality of tl "picture plays," a Mr. Power prefers to call them? It i all that can be desired. The Power Companj have a very great command over the tinting, toning and developing ot their positives, which are clean, strong, vigorous pictures, whether they be in nioiioehrome or in color. The particular picture that we examined may be regarded as the Powers Company's first -cries of high-class releases. The quality of this picture could hardly be improved upon, either photographically or dramatically. Therefore, we cordially recommend the Power picture plays to the notice of our exhibiting and renting rea< In Mr. Powers we have great pleasure in welcoming a worth) recruit to the Independent moving picture -ide. Mis engaging personality, which has already made him immensely popular in the moving picture field, should be. and no doubt i-. a valuable asset to the company. M Over, he ha a record for business success in the phonographic held, another valuable asset. In Mr. Erb and Mr. Golden we have two men who have win valuable experience in the technical and dramatic end of moving picture making. So that, all through, the Powers Company, in our opinii n, i as well equipped as it possibly could be for the work it has laid it-elf out to do, and that is. the making and selling of high-class moving picture plays. The Music and the Picture. A Suggestion. Exhibitors and managers of moving picture theaters will have an opportunity of suiting the music to the piclure in the case of the Edison release of May 3d next. -o we take thi 1 pportunity of drawing their attention to the fact. This release takes for it< subject that of the Cigarette Maker if Seville ("Carmen"), the character of which is to be presented by Mme. Pilar-Morin. Now, every pianist, every musician of the smallest pretension, know the music of "Carmen," which perhaps was the besl known and most popular otiera produced last century. Even the little boy in the -treets whistles the I". readings -ong and other favorite part of the opera, which i al-o a ballet d'action. What we. therefore, -hlto the exhibit r and tin musicians employed by him. i»" assure that when the film of "Carmen" i shown on May 3d, or whenever or wherever it is shown, Bizet's music should be played with it. This is the second of the Edison fraud opera stories. The hr-t of them was "Faust," and we were disappointed that when we saw this picture Gounod music did n t accompany it. Anyhow, there is the opportunity ready made for those of our readers win are interested in the adaptation of suitable music to the picture to do what we have so often asked them to do. We have no doubt that if and wherever it is done the pleasure of the public will be heightened. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IX THE MOVING PICTURE BUSINESS. YOU SHOULD SUBSCRIBE FOR THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD. $2.00.