Wid's Filmdom (1921)

“Br’er Rabbit and his Pals’—Pathe Type of production, ..... 00.00 gee cess 1 reel nature study This reel is composed entirely of animals that belong to the “gnawer” family. It includes squirrels, rabbits, gropers, chipmunks, mice, etc. The family is classified according to the position of their teeth in their jaws, the characteristic being the extreme forward position of the central incisors. It is these two teeth in front that do the gnawing. This is clearly illustrated in a skull of a rabbit shown in this reel. All of the above mentioned animals also appear before the camera besides many others, including prairie dogs, the jerboa, who uses his hind legs to dig in the sand and marmon who just can’t keep away from the grapes. An interesting section of this film is devoted to animal hibernation. The creature is shown in the fall of the year fat and sleepy; then he is shown asleep in his hole and finally as he comes to life again in the spring. This entire reel is well photographed and would make a very instructive filler. It is especially suitable for educational and matinee showings. “The Restless Sex”—Vanity—Educational Type of production. ......eeeeeceeeeeseereeees 2 reel comedy There is very little new stuff or anything else deserving of praise in this comedy. The idea has been used time and time again, in fact so often that it has ceased to be comedy. The picture opens with a shot of the Christie girls on the beach. A good deal of footage is given over to a base ball game with the girls as players. The umpire, played by Earl Rodney, marries the girl whose part is taken by Dorothy Devore. As this match is against his father’s wish and as the young man must return home, for a reason not explained, the bride is dressed to resemble a boy and is introduced to the parents as a chum. What follows can easily be imagined. The comedy situations are all very mild with no special surprises or work that stands out as either new or original. “Athletic Movements Analyzed”—Pathe Type of production, .......eeeeee eee ee eees 2 reel slow motion These two reels of slow motion are part of the Pathe Screen Studies Series, and are perhaps the most complete analysis of athletic movements yet presented upon the screen. In all cases the same action is shown first in normal speed and then reduced. The detailed movements of both walking and running are clearly illustrated. The athletic events included in these reels are numerous, and the illustrations all clear and to the point. They include walking, running, the start of a hundred yard dash, distance running, standing high jump, running high, running broad, and putting the shot, besides other field events. Wrestling tricks are also illutsrated and the art of stopping a punch is clearly shown. The second reel of this instructive as well as amusing picture deals with base ball plays, hurdling, pole vaulting, and diving. The famous ball players shown in action are George Burns, “Pep” Young, Fletcher knocking a homer, Fred Toney These two reels will All boys and pitching and Jess Barnes in the box. amuse and hold the attention of any audience. young men will enjoy seeing them. ‘resembling the rocks among which he lives. SOME SH “The Forbidderi River’—Harry Levey FE Brot ce cn Type of production. .. alse «+. +++: sane 1 reel scenic The camera is floated right through God’s own section of Idaho in this single reel scenic of the Salmon river. Huge cliffs, and dangerous rapids have made this river impossible for ordinary traffic. A huge raft-like boat, however, shoots down this treacherous stream and registers all the beauty and thrills of nature. Now and again a bear washing in the stream, or a pair of deer are surprised by the presence of the craft. Long stretches of forest overhang the rockbound shores, and as a bend is rounded imposing mountains fill the background. The rushing water in this reel is very ably photographed and the entire reel is up to the high standard set for scenics. This would make a very good program filler for it contains more interest and action than the average single reel travel picture. “Animal Camouflage”—Pathe Type of production......... seesereeeess 1 reel nature study This is one of the new series being issued under the name “Pathe Screen Studies.” The reel makes very good and novel entertainment. The camera wasturned upon those insects and animals that possess the power of protective and aggressive mimicry, either by changing their color or their shape, resembling a leaf or twig. The hermit crab is shown The walking stick is only discovered when he moves, so closely does he resemble the branches to which he clings. The ivy caterpillar, tree toad, Western lizard, praying mantis, and Monarch butterfly are all shown in this amusing reel, possessing the power of camouflage. The picture closes with some closeups of the remarkable walking leaf from East India. So closely do these insects resemble leaves that they often make a mistake and attempt to eat each other. This reel would fascinate any audience and can be safely used as a program filler. Pictures such as this one, which instruct as well as amuse, are being demanded more and more by discriminat * ing audiences. Movie Chats No. 17—Kineto Type of production........0seeeeeeeeeeeerees 1 reel magazine This Kineto Movie Chat is up to the standard of the series. The reel opens up with views of felling timber, log rolling, and hauling to the mill. Then the camera is turned upon the ice making industry. The giant pumps that compress the ammonia for the making of artificial ice are shown, and the hugh blocks of frozen water are lifted from the freezing The remainder of this magazine is devoted to views of animals. Wilson’s sheep on the White House lawn and a pair of black sheep appear. Hungry sucklings are registered around the mother pig, and finally kennels are shown for cats made homeless by prohibition. The old saloon cat is taken care of and fed before the camera. tanks.