Reel Life (1916-1917)

ENDORSES MUTUAL PICTURES Better Films Committee of Illinois Mother's Con¬ gress selects screen subjects LIST of selected films suitable for children’s programs in the motion picture theatres has M been compiled by the Better Films Com mittee of the Illinois Congress of Mothers t and Parent-Teachers Associations, of which Mrs. Frederic Michael is chairman. In making up this list Mrs. Michael has not been satisfied with taking the word of the producers for their releases, nor the suggestions offered by the National Board of Review, nor the criticisms of the newspaper critics. No film has been placed on this list which has not been seen by some one or more of the women who form this Better Films Committee, and carries with it their personal endorsement that it is in every respect suitable for children. The word “children” in this case does not mean only the little ones under twelve years of age but also the adolescent child of from twelve to eighteen years. “I am sure this will be good news to the exhibitor who is interested in special programs for children and those who are contemplating starting such entertainments,” said Mrs. Michael. “Here is a list already prepared and waiting for them — and they can be sure that there will be no complaints from the mothers that they are not showing the right kind of subjects.” It is a very severe test to which the pictures are sub¬ jected before they are considered worthy of being included in these recommendations for the women who are passing judgment on the films are themselves mothers or are repre¬ sentative women who have been working along this line for some time. The names and addresses of the producers are given so the exhibitor may know just where to obtain the films desired. The productions of the Mutual Film Corporation occupy a conspicious place in the first bulletin issued. Among the pictures which have been approved by these most exactingcritics are “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Robin Hood,” “Faithful Shep,” “Helen’s Babies,” “Doll House Mystery,” “Little Life Guard,” “Pirates Bold,” “Rivals,” “Runaways,” “Little Dick’s First Case,” “Her Filmland Hero,” “His Majesty the King,” “Burglar’s Picnic,” “Reel Life,” and “Jack and the Bean Stalk.” The plan of this Better Films Committee is to send out this bulletin to all motion picture theater managers who are interested in this work. This will tell them when they can secure the right kind of pictures and guide them in planning their program. The first list is simply the foundation step in a scheme which involves a regular weekly pamphlet con¬ taining the titles of additional films which have been ap¬ proved. To aid in the compilation of these lists the women are going to the various producers and asking that they be allowed to see any films which might be deemed worthy for this publication. “I have been so pleased with the few productions of the Mutual Company which have been seen by my committee,” Mrs. Michael enthusiastically remarked, “that I am going to ask permission to see all the output of this company as soon as released and also many of the older features and short subjects which had been recommended to me.” Experience has taught the organizations interested in this movement for better films for children that a program must not be too educational. There should be romance, fairy Mrs. Frederic Michael, Chairman of the Better Films Committee of Illinois Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teachers Associations. tales, comedy, as well as travel, nature study and history. The adolescent child particularly must be taken into consid¬ eration. The committee is particularly pleased with the magazines of the screen, the news of the day and the travel pictures and believes they should form a part of each pro¬ gram of this class. Again quoting Mrs. Michael : “I mention particularly in this respect Mutual’s four weekly subjects — ‘Reel Life,’ the magazine of the screen; ‘See America First,’ ‘Mutual Weekly,’ and ‘Mutual Tours Around the World’— for these give an educational trend to the program in a manner which not only does not antagonize the children into feeling they are having pictures which are ‘good for them’ forced upon them, but are subjects which hold their interest and add to their enjoyment.” Mrs. Michael, whose address is 5325 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, would be very glad to receive suggestions from exhibitors as to pictures shown in their theatres which they believe would be valuable additions to their list. She would also be very glad to send this list to all interested exhibitors. REEL LIFE — Page Seven