Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-02

That the educational pictures are grad
ually coming to take their place with
those pictures classed as entirely sntsR-
tanning, or pleasure giving IL rapidly be-
coming an established fact. n proof
Is sought for this. every one will agree
that II in New York city a leading
theatre can devote ons-thlrd Of its pro-
gram to educational pictures, the fact
must be established.
Educationallyl the use Of these pictures
is not Immediate; commercially, their
proft is more remote; ultimately both
their uses and profits are permanent.
Time with the consequent growth and
accumulation of subjects will find them
fulfilling all anticipations and expects-
tlons; for educational purposes they will
soon be indispensable: for theatrical pro-
grams they will also have n permanent
place
II is not very long since II was a
common cry among exhibitors that the
use of educationnls adversely affected the
receipts. 1t used to be common excuse
for indifferent programs and the exclu-
sion OF educationals that I'VE must give
the people what they want" This idea
was combated at the time. contention
being made that If the people were given
that which they ought to have it would
soon result in that same program becom-
ing that which they would demand. Pic
lures and people have grown together
The people now are fairly well educated
In fnu~ xaTNl,Nr y
think 1t "a motion picture" Neither pie
lures nor programs of five years ago
would suffice today. There is a definite
moving picture culture being experienced
wherever pictures are habitually shown
and the inclusion of the educational pic
ture Is largely responsible. May we pre-
dict that from this time on It win be per-
manent and profitable in the theatre
FOREIGN VIEWS FAVORED.
A survey OF educational nlms of the
scenic variety reveals a strange and sig
nifcant fact. 1t seems that pictures of
foreign subjects are far more numerous
than pictures OF our own country. The
beauty spots of Europe, Switzerland. for
instance, and Italy have been covered
with thoroughness. The same holds true
of France. Germany, Holland and the
Scandinavian countries. The kinemato-
graphic records of the natural beauties
of our own country. its historic sites,
many of them noted for their picturesque
ness. list unique and extended trade com
merce and industry are, comparatively
speaking. incomplete. 1t seems to US that
such pictures might be taken at small
cost and would be reasonably sure o.
market ANY good high-school text book
would make a first-class scenario.
Teachers in the public schools remark
frequently upon the influence of the mo-
ton picture upon their pupils. They say
that children who are regular patrons
of the better class of houses often are
away ahead of their textbooks in such
subjects as geography and history. Such
children ask questions which show un-
usual uuickness of perception II the
purely incidental educational values OF the
picture have this splendid result what
may we not expect of a systematic course
in educational pictures? Proofs OF the
value surrounds us on every side. Take
the ISleine production, Julius Caesar
No textbook, no. not even The commen-
tarlesn themselves. can give a more vivid
pfeture OF the Gallo wars than this mas-
terpiece of historical films. The sans
holds true OF all the other parts of Julius
Caesar" whether they relate TO the life
of the conqueror or the events in the his
tory of Rome
WOMEN AS CENsoRs, ~ =
Since the 1st of last July Detroit has
been without an official censor, owing
to the fact that the Board of Estimate
would not make an allowance for ths
same I'm the appropriation asked BY the
police department. The police depart
ment has made no attempt. except IN one
or two cases, to pass or censor IN any
way picture films, although plain clothes
men, as we'll as the regular policemen,
nave been expected 10 report any Aims
which, in their opinion, were unfs TO be
on public exhibition 1t is a fact the po-
lice department received very few com-
plants,
At a meeting OF a committee FROM the
Detroit Federation of Womens Clubs
ana secretary OF the police department..
George A. Walters, It was decided that
the Detroit Federation Of Womens Clubs
should take charge Of the censorship Of
motion pictures in this city, pending the
active Organization Of the recreation eam=
mittee. provided for by charter amend
men adopted in the November 3 election