Talking pictures : how they are made, how to appreciate them (c. 1937)

The Film Abroad The international social effects of the motion picture industry have been great indeed. Few countries have not already felt its effects. Its rapid development indicates that it may become an even greater international factor. The motion pictures of tomorrow may directly aid the diplomatic relations between countries. If it is wisely handled, it may go as an informative messenger of peace, an apostle of beauty to every land. Also the motion picture brings to us a greater sympathy for those in other countries, a greater appreciation of their arts and customs, and an increased understanding of world events. Foreign-made pictures in native language have not been widely exhibited in this country, for the obvious reason that Americans are generally distressingly poor linguists. But in the Canadian cities along the Great Lakes, one finds theatres which show French films to good patronage. In Montreal, French language pictures frequently outdraw those in English, and the theatres for French films are large and modern. In New Orleans likewise there has been a French film theatre. In Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and at various points in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, one finds playhouses exclusively devoted to films in the Spanish language. In these cases, and in those of the French theatres, such focal points are maintained for French and Mexican people living in the vicinity. But they also provide a splendid opportunity for young Americans to study the two languages. Language teachers in the Los Angeles schools encourage their students to attend the Spanish theatre. It is their testi