BRITISH EXHIBITORS GREATLY INTERESTED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 22 (Supplement)

BRITISH EXHIBITORS GREATLY INTERESTED.

SCREEN DEVELOPMENT IS BEING CLOSELY WATCHED (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, December 1. The development in America of widefilm and wide-screen cinematography is being closely watched by British exhibitors, many, of whom feel that they may be called upon in the near future to equip their theatres with the necessary apparatus for the showing of wide films. The possibility of obtaining stereoscopic effects by using a wider film and a larger screen has for some time been engaging the attention of the leading American producing organisations, and now, as a result of recent experiments, a few of the companies have decided to adopt a wider film for some future productions. At present the three companies chiefly concerned are "Fox, Paramount and R.K.0., but as each company works on a different size film it is felt that exhibitors may be placed in an extremely difficult position. The American Society of Motion Picture Engineers have therefore suggested to the companies concerned that they should adopt a standard width of 50 mm. for wide film productions. Of greater moment to the British film industry is the announcement by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Company of America of a new process of creating wide-screen projection while avoiding the prohibitive cost of installing special projection machines. By this system, known as “Reallife”, scenes for a picture are taken on a film of a special size, which, when reduced, can be used in the usual projector by the addition of only a special lens attachment costing about £3O. There are, apparently, also several other advantages to be derived from “Reallife” films. There is the common availability of the wide screen t or of a picture filling all the screen space in the theatre; there is the better perspective from the greater depth of focus; and there is much greater naturalness, avoiding the loss of realism that often follows a shallow focus.

The first picture to be filmed under the new process is “Billy, the Kid”, which has been directed for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer by Mr King Vidor, the well-known producer. In this film, which is now being shown in New York, remarkable effects are said to have been obtained in sequences recorded in the vistas of New Mexico and the Grand Canyon country. The action on the screen is told in a more dire, t flowing style. In one sequence of

“ Billy, the Kid ”, there is a “ hold-up ” scene in the foreground of the picture, and by means of the illusion of depth produced by the wide screen, a rescue party is seen starting, in the background, several miles away. The oncoming party does not know what is happening in front, but the audience observes every moment of both with more suspense than would be possible by any system of “cut-backs”.

Popular Screen Team. Once again that immensely popular screen duo, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, return to Christchurch in one of their greatest successes, “High Society Blues”, which commences at Everybody’s Theatre on Monday. Since these 'artists gave an indication of their musical comedy talents in “Sunny Side Up”, their vast public has been eagerly waiting for their second venture along the same lines, and, if they were delighted with the initial picture, they find an even deeper store of the good things of comedy romance in “High Society Blues”. “ Troopers Three.” “ Troopers Three ”, the second feature at the Liberty, is a ridiculously funny all-talking comedy depicting the trials and tribulations of three cavalry recruits who are always falling off their horses and falling in love with the other fellow’s girl. This picture is provocative of much mirth and merriment. " The Runaway Princess,” “ The Runaway Princess,” starring Mady Christians and Paul Cavanagh, is the featured attraction at the Strand Theatre. What happens to a young princess when she decides to run away from the boredom of court life and formalities, and becomes lost incognito in the heart of London? That is the interesting theme upon which this picture is based. Supporting this film will be a Laurel and Hardy corned)', a gazette and Australian and New Zealand scenics.