The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

494 Moving Picture World January 30, 1926 A Prologue to ^^Bravehearf^ Cecil B. De Millers Picturizcition of the Play ^^Strongheart' Specially Devised for Prodticers Distributing Corporation hy Colby Harriman (A Prologue or Presentation for a Specific Picture Published Each Week) ^RAVEHEART" is a veritable treasurehouse of ideas for the producer of prologues and presentations. There is a define love theme in the picture which can be emphasized in the stage creation. There are tribal motifs, some of which hark back to the early days of the American Indian. There is that plaintive and ultimate futile note of a combination of the White and Red emotions. The picture teems with suggestions which may be treated realistically or in an impressionistic manner. We have chosen one of the themes which is purely atmospheric, and will dovetail with the first scene of the picture. THE SETTING The accompanying sketches furnish a general outline of the stage and scenic makeup. The prologue is divided into two scenes, the first being semi-impressionistic, and the second emphasizes the realistic note lending itself to a proper blending with the picture. The principal units of the set consist of three hanging pieces and four set pieces. The sketch and ground plot identifies the position of all units. The units may be itemized as follows : (a) A Painted Scrim, (b) Fabric Returns with characteristic niatifs, (c) Sky Drop, (d) Rock Piece, (e) Ground Row, (f) Tree Pieces, 1. Painted Scrim A scrim hung in one should be painted with a design of an Indian blanket, colors dominating the design should be red, blue and greens. The scrim should be drawn taut. If it is impossible to have the scrim painted a desirable effect may be secured by having a slide made bearing the Indian blanket design, and having it projected upon the white scrim using either a special lens so that the projected design covers the entire opening alloted to the scrim, or a proper masking with the returns and border to eliminate a defined frameline. In some theatres it will be necessary to use a black backing to the scrim, and it is suggested that the backing be placed on travellers as the action of drawn curtains is more harmonious than a drop that is taken up. 2. Fabric Returns The returns which are used to mask and carry off from the opening of both scenes should be of a mettaline material such as silver cloth. Upon each return an Indian motif should be attached. The "teepee" on the right and the "peace pipe" on the left may be cut out of cloth, paper or may be a paintted design on canvass, and attached either by sewing or pinning. These returns constantly suggest the theme which is that of the American Indian. 3. Sky Drop This is hung upstage as far back as possi SkvI>nop ~RoCK Tc.. >LIAGE -OOK.DER Tr,e^ 'P<L_ rnRouNO "Row G"ROUWD Plot Not 5cAi-eo COLBY HAKRIMAN