The Washington times., 1915-02-19
DrdmdtiSt Predicts
Great Future For
The Motion
.s:;s,, Picture.

There has been constant discussion
, among the people connected with the
Enthusiastically among those who
are interested in the upbuilding Of
the drama-as to the value of the
motion picture as form of dramatic
expression. There has been a con-
stant criticism of the film from those
who are more intimately associated
with the stage and a rather wide-
spread Misunderstanding of its mis-
sion. 1t has seemed to us. Dis
tinguishcd dramatists and critics
have given It the benefit of their
study In a rather casual way and
have written or spoken caustic COM
ment on the manner in which things
were done on the film stage.
The great feature which most Of
them seem to have overlooked Is the
tremendous possibilities Of the film.
Some Of the dramatists have seen
this and when attention is called to
this fact the critics invariably state
that such dramatists are men who
arc drawing royalties from the pho
toplay producers for the use Of their
plays. 1t is refreshing therefore to
be able to Quote one dramatist who
10 not drawing any royalties. as yet,
but Hho is. nevertheless. a stanch
advocate of the motion picture.
This is no less a person than r.. e.
Carton. the distinguished English
playwright. who has given the pic
lures much study. He Is quoted ty
Epes Winthrop Sargent in the cur
rent issue Of the Moving Picture
World as being greatly impressed by
the possibilities Of the pictures.
Il have got rather strong views
on the question of films" Mr.. Carl
ton states. land. personally, I have
felt for long time past that cine
matography has been a little UNDER
estimated by some Of my most dis
tlnguished colleagues do not think
they have realized the inevitable val
ue OF film work as a new and most
interesting medium for the express
sion of their imagination.
What are my views as to the fu-
eure Of the picture play? Most en-
phatically believe 1t has great pos
sibihties as form of dramatic ex-
preston. In certain respects 1t en-
Joys advantages which no stage play
ever can expect to command. 1t has
strength just where other arts have
weakness.
For the actually of his atmos-
the imagination of his reader. while
Inc dramatist for his mise en- scene
Is obliged to rely upon the electrician
ana scene painter. Though I should
DC ungrateful II I underestimated
the services Of the latter cannot
pc unaware that canvas trees. sky
borders. and the other devices Of the
ordinary theater are an unsatisfac-
tory substitute for the real country
lanes. the real sunsets, and tho real
evening breezes blowing through real
trees which the cinematograph can
ofer: Obviously. you must gain
on the film in that direction.
Then. again. comparing the ordi-
nary play with the film play, the
latter gives the dramatist extraor-
dihary elbow room. One Of the
great aims in writing an ordinary
play is to arrive at compression and
concentration. In a film play. on
only possible but very often it is
exceedingly effective.
AS to the loss of dialogue. in all
moments of great dramatic tension
really the less said the better A
really great situation. Of really
strong psychological interest, will
nearly always do its own work.
II believe that there Is in the cine
matograph an enormous and extra
ordinary varied field Of activity open
to those who will prepare themselves
to enter 1t. In fact. do not think
We know at present where film work
will ultimately land us.
II don't like to talk Of educating
the public, but there is no doubt
that, as more representative novel;
lists and dramatists turn their atten.
ton to clnematography. public taste
will amply keep pace with them.
am very much of an enthusiast, and
] spend a great deal of time watch
ing films. many Of which I find both
delightful and ingenious"