Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1911)

200 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD Education and Science FROM DAGUERREOTYPE TO CINEMATOGRAPH. There died in this city last week two men whose lives were singularly connected with photography. One of these men, George Gardner Rockwood.was one of the earliest pioneers of the art of photography, beginning with the daguerreotype, he was the first to use the carte-de-visite style in this country. Associated with a large and influential class of people he probably photographed more famous personages than any other artist; his name became famous all over the photographic world, so that it is recorded that no fewer than 350,000 persons had their portraits taken in his studio. The other death was that of Albert Brighton, a sad victim of the wonderful progress and development of photography; while acting before the camera this young man of talent and promise sacrificed his life in a way that will lead to greater caution in the future. The ending of those two lives have brought before the world the vital importance of the marvelous and speedy growth of the power of reproduction by photography. During the lifetime of one man, that which was impossible even in a dream in the beginning of his career, became an every day event before that career ended. Rockwood, photographer as an art, honor and riches grew together and his death marks the end of a chapter in the world's history as thus related. The daguerreotype now seems to belong to a distant age rather than to a recent generation; yet, was it not the beginning from which grew our present mighty possibilities? It is well, then, to think them together in their historical relationship; it is sad, however, that this link should have been made so prominent by the tragic death of one a victim to progress, while that of the other was the natural passing away of an honored life with its time and its oppotrunities which a new generation takes up, leaving the daguerreotype behind forever and going forward with the cinematograph. "The Marvels of Horsemanship" (Edison) is a film which must certainly be noticed in this place. A series of pictures of troops of the United States cavalry is full of interest to every one. There can be little doubt that this film will cause many surprises; while it is well known that the horse soldier is capable of heroic acts, it is not well known that whole troops are ready to perform such extraordinary evolutions as those which are witnessed here. The film is well named, for "marvels of horsemanship" is a wonderful exhibition equally creditable to the horse as to the man; truly here, as seldom ever witnessed, is the horse shown as the obedient servant and friend of man. It would be hard to decide if the feats of dexterity or the rhythmic movements were the most surprising, suffice it to say that as a film at once interesting and instructive it is worthy of praise and should be seen by every American youth and adult. "Birds in Their Nests" (Pathe) is another valuable addition to the splendid list of Educational subjects this firm is putting forth. Natural history made attractive will be the future form for the schoolboy. The study of birds is always pleasing to young people, and the schoolroom has never been dull when this theme was presented; the naturalist was a welcome friend even in book form. With what enthusiasm these living pictures will be viewed can be better imagined than described. The homes, habits and haunts of birds no longer described in cold type with a wood engraving, but the real living example before their eyes; the writer can even now in fancy hear the enthusiasm evoked: Splendid pictures! give us more, and more, and then — some more. Thank you. "The Star Spangled Banner" (Edison). — Historical, educational, prophetical. Historical as recording that which is of such importance to be recorded as a history making incident. Educational, because it teaches both the origin and purpose of a song that will live as long as the flag flies. Prophetical, because it is such films as these that in days to come will establish in the lives of future Americans those principles which should best be preserved. While this film is thus good, no one will be offended if it be suggested that for perfection it might be re-enacted with the threefold objects heading this note kept in view. Thereby could much "over-acting" be eliminated, and the value of all garticipating be centered upon the production of a film which shall not only satisfy the immediate pleasure of a July 4th audience, but fill any occasion truly American upon either platform or rostrum. This is spoken with the view of making such valuable films as these of permanent worth, with a presentation that shall be more pertinent to the great theme than to the enactment of a drama. This is one of a few possible subjects ' where the inspiration of the audience testifies to its full or proportionate value; the results should be full; when they are, the perfection has been reached. "The Old Folks' Sacrifice" (Vitagraph) deserves a word of comment — not only because it strikes a new chord, but because it reveals a phase of life much neglected in the multitude of stories told by picture. The kindly pathos is heart-warming and the lessons suggested may prove valuable to many a young scapegrace. While the redemption of the grandson is taken for granted, it would be much more satisfying if the subject had continued with the presentation in actual life of that result which is left to be presumed. The regenerated young man, even in a slight degree compensating the old people with his thankfulness, would have been welcome. "Benares, the Holy City of the Hindoos," is another welcome Pathe scenic, helpful in the fact that in addition to its scenic values it teaches very important customs of the Hindoos, such as the disposal of their dead by fire or water, as the case may be. If publicity leads to reform in America surely such special publicity which comes from moving picture descriptions, will do much towards correcting abuses which exist side by side with such occult wisdom as that professed by the Hindoos. Pictures of this kind will serve more purposes than one. THE BEST TEACHER OF GEOGRAPHY IS THE MOVING PICTURE. "The time is coming," says the "Daily Colonist," of Victoria, British Columbia, "and it cannot come any too soon, when the teaching of geography, and to some extent, history, will be revolutionized by the introduction of moving pictures into the school rooms. No subject has suffered so much at the hands of the careless, the stupid, or even the painfully conscientious teacher, as geography. Most of us can remember the hours we have fruitlessly spent in learning lists of names or paragraphs of dry and uninteresting facts, which scarcely remained in our memories longer than examination day. Even the task of map-drawing was a dreary one when the country or continent represented little to our intelligence or imagination but lines and dots, and if we were fortunate a little color. The skilful teacher could, indeed, by appealing to the children's sense of location, create interest and rivalry in finding places on the map. But it was seldom that the children of past generations realized that living people worked and played and suffered in what were to them really foreign lands. "The moving pictures bring before the children all that in the old days was left out. The people of every land, their occupations, their costumes, and their customs, will be only less familiar to the pupils of a well-taught school than to one who has travelled. The scenery and products, the trade and commerce, and the trains will all be shown. The teacher who cannot arouse interest, sympathy and enthusiasm with such aids must be dull indeed. There are many uses to which moving pictures may be put, but perhaps there are none in which its possibilities are so great as in the education of the young."