Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-05

slawly, but none the less surely, tho
educational film is creeping into the pro-
gram OF almost all motion picture COM
panies The executives of these organiza-
tions are coming to realize that the taste
Of motion picture audiences is improving
and the necessity of dropping the slap
stick comedy and melodrama has become
all the more apparent.
For years We have recognized the value
OF visual instruction, which, in Its ideal
etate, is nothing more or less than educa-
tiona films. This visual instruction has
become the basis of kindergarten work.
practically all the text books are illus
trated constantly we use charts, maps.
specimens and photographs. Besides all
this there are continual excursions for
science classes going to the factory,
harbor or farm, to the great dramas, to
the museums, and so on.
But with the motion picture the stu
dents will not be compelled to leave the
work of the class room to make eNcur-
sions to these various places. much as the
break In the monotony may be welcomed
by them. All the lectures and scientihc
Investigations may be carried on In the
class roonm and under comfortable ana
healthful surroundings
Through the educational film this age
gives US the benefit of an agency that can
reproduce the minutest detail; that can
patiently watch and record the develop
ment OF a plant from the time the SEED
IL put In the ground to the opening OF the
blossom, and can reproduce II in a lew
minutes that with its lightning glance
can record the course of a bullet ana
show it to lis on the screen as 1t swiftly
winds and twists itself along. Through
rtyn
dramas, can follow the movements OF the
most complicated machine, can observe
the movements of the planets through the
worlds greatest telescopes, can STUDY
micro-organisms. can take trips to quaint
foreign countries where are unfolded to
our gaze spIendors Of scenery and pecu-
liar habits of the people, can follow the
course of some of our staple toodstuhs
from the raw product to our table
Educational authorities too, are coming
to realize the Importance OF the educa-
tional film in shaping the minds or the
Young. There is an old Latin proVerh,
often quoted which roads; 'Longum iter
est per precepta. breve ct etfcaN per eN-
empla." In ordinary language TINS
means. ITO drive thing into telloWs
head through rules and regulations Is
hard, but It Is comparatively easy ana
efficient through examples the motion
picture furnishes the example. and mas
been tried and not found wanting
Just now, In California. there Is move
ment among educational and allied insu-
tutions to feature the motion picture as
an aid to instruction in the public schools
of the State under the supervision of the
state Board of Education, making an ap-
propriation therefor. These features are
embodied in the Carr-Fsh bill which was
introduced I'm the Legislature OF that state
on January 2S. 1915. This movement gives
evidence Of becoming nationwide and al
ready it's influence is being felt in hlm
circles.
Arcadia Theatre
Work has progressed on the new
Arcadia Theatre, Chestnut street above
10th. after a fashion which will make 1t
possible to open the new home OF
standard high-class photopIays probably
within a weeks time. and formal an !
of the exact date will be |
made not later than next Sunday. The |
theatre will be the final word in the line |
of modern safety construction, even as
It's interior will be the last word in the |
way of playhouse comfort and adorn-
ment. Neither effort nor money has been
shared in the building to insure this a
long list of the best photopays, featur-
Ing the most popular stars Of the stage |
who have faced the motion camera, has !
been arranged and some unexpected de-
lights are in store for the playSong. pub