PICTURE IN FOG

Taranaki Daily News, 27 July 1935, Page 8 (Supplement)

PICTURE IN FOG

STARTLING. SUCCESS OF METHOD. FORD’S WORK IN "INFORMER.” In making “The Informer” for RKO Radio Pictures, director John Ford conducted an experiment which might have resulted disastrously but which has proved to be startlingly effective. The entire picture, which stars Victor McLaglen, was photographed in fog. Proceeding against the advice of his assistants and cameramen, who felt that the experiment would give the picture a drab atmosphere or cause eye strain, Ford has secured a remarkably clear piece of photography. Through skilful use of high lighting, all the scenes of the picture are made to stand out witn a subdued brilliance that marks perhaps the most effective photographic tour de force ever achieved.

However, the medium of presentation is not permitted to overshadow the story, for, as the play unfolds, the beauty of the photography is forgotten and attention is focussed upon the drama. The art of “The Informer” is one which conceals itself, and that is the only true art.