Reel and Slide (Jan-Sep 1919)

REEL and SLIDE 15 Astronomical Problems Pictured by Cinematography Theories of Flammarion and Pickering Selected as Short Reel Educational Subject; Other Astronomical Pictures to Be Filmed by Same Mechanical and Pictorial Processes By Jonas Howard THE serious attention of all those interested in the use of motion pictures in teaching is called to a production made and released by the Bray Studios, entitled "Hello, Mars— This Is the Earth." While this title is designed to interest and attract the theater-going public, under it is presented one of the most remarkable expositions of visualization ever witnesed by this reviewer. The present production, which has been given widespread theater and school showings, is important not merely because of its remarkable facility in depicting a highly scientific astronomical theory or idea, but because of what is presages for the future when the same mechanical and cinematographic processes may be applied to kindred subjects. Mr. J. R. Bray for years has been perfecting processes which enable the Reaching out from the ea motion picture to show quickly what possible inhabitants the eye may not see in any other way. These processes include many variations and combinations of applied art, notably the animated line in combination and wash drawing as well as the use of the "still" picture in creating realities not possible in any other way. The Mars picture runs about 500 feet. It is first and all instructional, but its entertainment value is undoubtedly far greater than the average photo play in that it appeals to the imagination and Carries the audience into the mysterious realms of the Heavens. It explains with a directness not possible. Prof. Pickering of Harvard sponsors the otherwise various theories advanced by reputable astronomers concerning the possibilities of signaling the planet Mars. The producers do not sponsor the practicability or possibility of these theories; merely a visual report of the suggestions are given in a most entertaining fashion. The film is divided up into sections, the first showing the relative positions of the planet Mars and the earth, with a quickly moving animated diagram depicting their relative size and relav;onship to each other and their rotation in their respective orbits. Based on scientific data, the comparative conditions on Mars and the earth are pointed out, including a clearly explained argument on the causes, such as temperature, gravity and heat. The section devoted to the possibility of communicating with the Martians shows clearly why the earth' can hope to signal most easily in 1924 since we approach the planet most closely at that time. The actual demonstrations of signaling apparatus are cleverly shown by means of manipulated drawings and photographs under '.he Bray processes. It is shown that a huge mirror to reflect a code of dots and dashes is deemed practical, that a huge sand pit with strips of dark cloth worked back and forth over its surface on a hillside capable (?) of being seen by the Martians might be a means of getting into communication with the population of what is believed to be a highly developed world. Whatever may be the practicability of the plans outlined, they have excellent sponsorship, Camille Flammarion having been among the scientists who have faith in the ultimate achievement of the dream of. astronomers — inter-planetary communication. It was the thought of the reviewer in witnessing a projection of this subject that there is scarcely any limit to which the cinematograph might reach in making the arrangement and operation of the universe plain to even the most unthinking and non-reading of our population. Here is a picture carrying with it all the weight of a complicated scientific problem which will hold any schoolboy spellbound in a darkened room and impress him with the majesty of Creation and the wonders of the Universe. It is doubtful if even a popular writer with plenty of imagination could translate the information conveyed in this five hundred second picture to the mind of a juvenile reader in less than 5,000 words and then he would find himself greatly handicapped providing he could not resort to diagrams and pictures to amplify his text. Mr. Bray has high ideals concerning the wonderful power that lies in his hands. He ia doing a great good to the people in circulating pictures of this type through the theaters where they are of all places most needed. Certainly there is hope for the cinema when moving pictures like this can be made commercially profitable. Few people can realize the responsibility of undertaking a production of this kind. First, there is the mechanical difficulties and the limitations of the cinematographic art. Second, there is the bother of extreme condensation and brevity which involves careful selection and elimination of material— an undertaking only possible of achievement in the hands of serious experts and students. Thirdly, there is the conflicting ideas and theories of scientific men and, added to these, the fact that a picture once screened cannot be recalled and must stand or fall by its maker's knowledge and understanding of the subject and its execution. A library of films of this type is badly needed today. It is Mr. Bray's rth with light rays to signal intention and desire to make these of the planet Mars. subjects available to the school and the church. They cannot become stale or grow old for the class room. The good they do the general public can be greatly augmented by widespread showings in schools, both in the cities and in the country. It is probable that the expense entailed in a production of this kind is as great per foot as that of a photodrama. That it gets circulation in the commercial theater makes possible its availability to the school — later. Someone must foot the bill for these "pictures worth while," and it is fitting that the first cost should be paid from the receipts of theaters. This means that the pictures will be within the reach of the average high school at a price that is fair. The field of astronomy opens up vast opportunities for visualization since it is a science that can scarcely be cinematographed in a practical manner. Because of its mystery the science attracts all minds. Things, which to the naked eye are and must ever remain inanimate, move naturally across the illuminated screen and Mars and Jupiter become almost intimate to the boy in the class room to whom they have never been more than a pin prick in the sky. He watches and he learns ; he is fascinated and taught at the same time ; he has a new conception of the realities of the universe and better understands, not alone the relative position of his own earth to the Universe, but the relationship of his own being to it all. Camera Will Reveal Unexplored Africa (Continued from page 13) There, with an armed guard of about fifty natives, they will endeavor to photograph the headhunters. The most daring venture of the expedition will be the attempt to photograph the sacred city of Lhassa, known as the Hidden City of the Ages. One adventurer, caught in an effort to photograph the gate of the city, was captured, and is said to have returned to Europe with both eyes out. The third Universal foreign company is the Eddie Polo group which recently left New York City and which is photographing in England. This group, headed by Polo, is making the Universal serial, "The Thirteenth Hour." After completing the scenes in England the company will go to Scotland and from there to Ireland and France. In each country the locales of the episodes af the s^r'al w'll bf selected from historical and beputifrl c"o1;s. The Educational and Industrial departments of the Universal have sent a camera-man, Roswell B. Johnson, abroad to photograph, primarily for the interests of the rubber industry of the United States, film which will show the life and customs of the people engaged in the crude rubber industry. Johnson, before returning, will visit the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java and other territories south of the Malay peninsula. The coffee growing countries of Java will also be photographed by Mr. Johnson. The films when returned to the United States will be used by the Universal educational and industrial department. Harry Levey is supervising the expedition.