MADE IN GERMANY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLII, Issue 1734, 9 February 1921, Page 2

MADE IN GERMANY.

ADVANCE IN FILM PRODUCTION. "SPECTACLES" A FEATURE. German .motion picture producers are bending every effort in the production of big spectacles, and these will far surpass anything of the kind that Americans can turn out, and therefore will find a ready market in the United States, as well as every other country in the world. This is the opinion of Nathan Burkan, a leader in the profession specialising in theatrical law. who has just returned from a vacation abroad to his home in New York City. He also finds that English producers arc showing only ordinary progress, and 'that the French are "slow."

England is hampered by labour' troubles. France is living in a state of suspense, with war ever threatening. Labour troubles and the exchange rate are only two of the other handicaps with which French producers have to contend. "German spectacular productions arc wonderful," said Mr Burkan. "I saw one while in Germany, on this trip. In spectacles like 'Sumurun' the Germans will be unsurpassed by anybody in the world, because of the economic conditions prevailing 1 in their country. '

"There is much unemployment. Materials and wages are far cheaper ; than they are in the United States. They cost more than they used to In 'Germany, but they still are far below [the sums paid in the United States. This means that the German can build more elaborate and costly sets and engage and costume more supers Vor the big scenes than the American producer can afford to do. A German can do for £IO,OOO what would 'cost an American £IOO,OOO. "You will see the Germans filming delightful fairy tales, those fairy .tales which.are so dear to all of us, along spectacular' lines. You will find their technique naturally improving as they gain experience. These fairy jtales will not show German life and 'German customs, in which Americans are not interested, but will have scenes of other countries, and be Worked out along mythological lines.

" 'Sumurun' did not show the German family life, but had an Arabian 'background. Likewise, corning spectacles will not offend us with views lof a people and a country with which we have been at war. The Germans realise that this is essentially import-, ant if they are to succeed in their bid for an extensive and ever-increas-ing foreign trade.

"Especially if German films are to win the favour of British audiences must the films suggest anything but their origin. Both in England and France there is much propaganda against the products of German industries. In England I saw placards urging the people to ignore German films. They were on many theatres and stores. They were not inspired by 'the Government, but were the handiwork of individuals. "In France, too, the national spirit runs high. Hatred of the Germans is iprobably more intense in France than anywhere else. Germany is working hard to develop foreign markets for her films, and she is not blind to the absolute necessity of overcoming natural prejudices against them. Germany must do a big export business in films in order to have them pay her worthwhile returns."

"England has been variously represented as making rapid progress and as being unprogressive in the production of films,' " suggested the interviewer.

"Describing the. progress of the industry in England, I think that the word 'average' fits, said Mr Burkan. "There is too much of the spirit of unrest in England, too many labour troubles, too much of a lack of ordinary studio equipment for the English to make really rapid progress. Then, too;. England is having her trouble in Mesopotamia and India and Egypt, and the advanced booking system and the exchange rate hamper production." What about American producers who go to England for original locales?" "I think they are foolish," was the answer. "They find a lack of facilities everywhere, they spend much time and money trying to make really good pictures and they return sader but wiser men."

"I suppose the same situation prevails in France?"

"Even more so than it does in England," said Mr Burkan. "In Franco the people have none of the 'push' that is so characteristic of us. It is a custom to take two hours for luncheon. France also is lacking in jstudio equipment." American exchange.