ROOK AND SCREEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17010, 7 April 1923, Page 6 (Supplement)

ROOK AND SCREEN.

THE WORTH OF THE MOTION PICTURE. The main and woman of to-day is a creature who has been trained to an appreciation of the value of time. Modern machinery and modern methods have evolved principles of speed and efficiency in the conduct of business and industry. These principles are reflected in the people’s demand for an entertainment which gives the maximum of interest and emotional effec t in the time devoteable to pleasure. in the motion picture has been evolved a means of telling a story, portraying in fine detail the character of a play, pointing a moral, and creating every sense, and interest, mirth, and pathos. The screen* can thrill and enthrall, to a degree beyond the power of any printed lines. The motion picture does not compete with ihe writer. It gives him an agent of presentation which enables tlio full power and lieauty of his art to be conveyed to the subjects The descriptive powers of the greatest writers cannot vision a scene as fair as nature presents. The camera has enabled the narrator to show his character, m a setting as diverse as nature herself. The wliter has in the past bee : dependent upon the interpretative abilities of his readers for an appreciation of his art. Today hi« story is given to the world in a form understandable by all.

The fact that . a certain class of novel, which depends solely upon sparkling dialogue for its ’success, may not be fittingly adapted to screen presentations, does not detract from the value of the motion picture. Any I story which has substance of character, action, or moral may be advantageously adapted for the screen usage. This story assures that every story which may be calculated to benefit humanity, either by its beauty of theme or settings, or by its moral value, will command a wider appeal and a greater audience, by virtue of the screen. The fact that the world’s most prolific writers are conscious of the screen value is testified by their ready acceptance of it. as a means to propagate their 'thoughts. Many of the world’s greatest writers are to-day writing exclusively for the motion picture. By its contributory service they are enabled to rcadh an audience infinitely greater than would be the case by book publication alone. By medium of the motion picture the world’s greatest stories are made available to the general ma9S. The art of famous actors gives a clear in corpretation of the characters of each f»tory. The little understood masterpieces of older writers have been adapted to find a value for the modern mind. The art of the author does not lose in the adapation, rather are many gains effected thereby. The modern picture industry commands the services of authorities in all iv k. aces. Including in its orgination are men whose studies of matters historical befit them to advise upon the correct setting and acting of medieval customs. Correct costumes and mannerisms are made possible by the application of knowledge. Others with “"an intimate knowledge of public institutions., and various social grades assure that the correct atmosphere is imparted to any scene filmed. Xo w riter ever fully master the whole shade of human characteristics through tlie ages.* The assistance of learned

.) iiikpiutu*s gives a clistanct benefit to hi* work. I'he expression gestures of the in■igpretiivg players overcome many of the limitations of language, and permij of a truer portrayal of character, more complete description. Nature provides actual scenes of foreign lands with a clearness beyond the imaginativo or description abilities of any writer. The indescribable beauty of vast forests, the majesty of ocean waters —such scenes as these are posable to the camera. No master of jrds can adequately describe them. I'he* atmosphere of the modern motion, picture house is conductive to a measurable appreciation of the beauty i scenery and story. Fitting musical accompaniments influence an audience i! a mood of receptivity in which they .ire enabled to more intimately move :n sympathy with the story unfolding before their eyes. That which is lost ’>\ the. exclusion of speech is more than danced by the closer attention paid ’ Those accustomed to the screen are •.■ahied to almost fully sense the dinjue. the movement of lips and the xpression <d those words which would ii y medium of the -creeii tin* writer

to-day is enabled to convey live events of • dozen crowded' lives :-i complete and effective story within J n hour. Exciting episodes, moments \ .1 great dramatic intensity, mirth an ’ j . ted than described. i Beyond doubt the screen is proved. • *i>t a rival of the author, but a mean whereby ho may supplement his talent a clarity of expression not otherwise possible. • •;!.. ben adapt eel by groat winter-- as I ii thy vehicle for the expression ui i .'» r-• r .works, it is only neecssar*. tf> j iaiv.cius writers who are now .devoting ; -.heir time to the - reation of pimlo- j lav----Sir James Barrie. Arnold Ben- i 1 V iit. Robert llichens. E. Phillips* Op- | • «»ibelm Sir (Gilbert Parker. Kiinoi ; ! :iyn. Edward Knoblock. Somerset M-'iiu-hun. Thqmpson. Avery Hopwnod *.,0n0 Hamilton. Vineo B. lhaiicz. . i'l.e motion picture has become mi e. >st widely appreciated-ontertammeiu; ,n tin- world. J■* -ve. y land, tlio . work of tii.c- world s nio>t : „.Uto and rcativo minds ih being ;veil to all peoples. world of endeavour where prorosy insistent! v ..loan,ml- something , £ f.. .oniollung yi-oater- in a world K,.vc the hustle -»f modern life de,the ; »rt a test effect for the least .‘. L , j,.. i*.icturc lias become . ■'!) the world’s gaiety '•.ears mirth the grout *• -•'» ie; vcu ■•i*wer. H brings quick starting it ■ivc*' exercise to every deep V.t-on. " Tlioe things are v.hat the . ami b* visible' example it is I iUiug great' moral trust- it is up|iuu,a„itv by rhe ineuleation of mauif 1 brief hour ihe s.-i-een is nine Wm V,-lie,-I K. 1., v.i.i-ldb St: i '" piltnre ,1 j, In II! 1 11-1 i" » adding u- lb'' I” 1 " ' ' More limn igi'iK’t a t im i |H| .'that I # *

lias developed until it stands to-day as the greatest social force in the worl d. The book will remain ; it will ever be the boom companion of the individual, but the great service oi entertaining and enlightening the collective masses devolves upon, the screen. The picture is quicker, clearer, more impressive than the book. It can sway and thrill and stir as no other force It can create emotions more real and inspire. Above all it binder humanity joys more intimate, it <an uplitf and in a common understanding hf.lile.