Picture Stories Magazine (Sept 1914-Feb 1915)

ON THE SCKEEN. 269 Ireland, Canada, Australia, and all the colonies. The Avhole British Empire is " home " to-day. It behoves us to do all we can for our " home " before we seek to do anyone good outside — but I am going to ask for one little extension of the word and bring in gallant little Belgium. As ordinarily ' Charity, begins at home" means that one must look after the needs of one's family first before giving away to others ; so it means in its broader sense to-day that we must look after our own people, our own industries and trade before thinking of sending our money elsewhere. A deal of money flows out even now into other lands which are not suff'ering the strain we are, and much of that money could be spent right here in London to the benefit of thousands if the public raised its voice and used its influence. Everywhere we hear of the increasing demand for British ware. Who has had the temerity to press the demand for British films 1 There are many British firms making and producing sterling stuff" at the present moment, have finished pictures on the market, but suffer in some cases from prejudice. For some time British films suffered from comparison with French, Italian, and American products. But French films fail now — our Allies have other and sterner work at home to do — they have no time for the manufacture of pictures ; and as far as the others go, our British films of to-day are easily up to the average, and oft-times better. For, as I have always said and maintain, the good British film is nearer the British taste than any production which comes from abroad. It is natural. We may not manufacture sufficient to cover all programmes in our land, but we do manufacture •enough to have three times, even four times, more showing at our picture theatres than appears at present. In every class of film — comedy, drama, scenic and topical — we have made a tremendous advance in this country, and the British film industry should be better supported. We must have American pictures ; we have to show Italian, Danish, and other films ; we must not shut out good moving pictures from any country ; that would be a very short-sighted policy, and one I should not in the least like to see pursued ; but still I think there should be in these days a greater spirit of " Charity begins at home," and a stronger demand for all-British film productions. Of the many film companies at work in Great Britain I would mention the following as they come to mind: The London Film Co. ; B. & C. (British and Colonial); Barker's; Hep worth's; Cable; Bamforth's (Winky Comedies and D. Tempest's Cartoons); Clarendon; Neptune; Phoenix (Folly, Pimple Comedies) ; Captain Kettle Films ; Motograph ; Searchlight, etc. DESPITE the war, cinematography is gradually creeping nearer its own. There have been reports that engineers are taking up motion pictures for teaching and explaining their business, and that the doctors of this country are taking a greater interest in the medical and surgical application of cinematography. The Catholics also are not despising this means of educating their people, while the Army is waking up to the fact that motion pictures are excellent for target practice. It is this extension and wider scope of cinematography which gives those who have so great an interest in the art increased courage and enthusiasm to ' boost" the pictures. On the other side, there is an inspiring sign that the old prejudice of the middle and higher classes against picture halls is breaking down. Nowadays the cinemas reveal a better dressed gathering in the dearer parts. The motion pictures is having a democratic influence. The various classes are being drawn together to enjoy the same style of entertainment, and we have the war to thank to a great degree. War has enforced a tighter hold on the pocket. With the darkened streets, people who once upon a time tripped up to the big town theatres are now content with the pleasures to be derived at the cinemas. The legitimate " theatres are suffering, unfortunately, and the lesser priced, more get-at-able, picture halls are reaping a harvest. We may be sorry for the theatres, but we are all the same mighty glad of the impetus given to cinematography. THE HAND OF IPtON," to appear in our next issue, is a powerful story of a cruel army officer in love with his colonel's daughter, and a rival for her hand with a brother officer. "A Splendid Dishonour " is a strong tale of love and sacrifice brought about by an insane doctor ; and " The Virginian " is a graphic fourreel kaleidoscope of the Golden West, featuring Dustin Farnum, whose portrait appears in the present issue.