The Washington times., 1918-08-18
.FRENCHMEN CHEER
AMERICAN MOVIES
BY FRED s. FERGUSON.

PARIS. Aug. 1S.- French and
American hearts quiekened In mutual
patriotic enthusiasm on a recent af-
ternoon when the American film.
Americas Answer to the Huns" was
shown for the first time in the Gau-
mont palace.
The palace was draped with Amerl.
can flags
Aside from the thrill of the pictures
themselves. taken under direction OF
the American Government, there was
Inspiration in the mingling OF celeb
rites, high military officers. wound
ed soldiers. and soldiers on leave, all
eager to see Americas work In the
pictures.
Glimpses OF families and figures of
international reputation. before and
after the show. wefe TO be had by all
in the great audience. -5a .-fr
Captain Roosevelt There.
Capt. Archie Roosevelt stood chat
ting with his sister-in-lRw. Mrs. Theo-
dore Roosevelt, jr., near the box oc-
cupied by Marshal Joffre. Ambas-
sadors of Japan and other allied na-
tions and representatives of Presi-
dent Poincare and Premier C1emen-
ceau occupied boxes.
When the films were displayed Mrs.
Roosevelt saw her major husband
decorating two members of his bat
TALON with the war cross. then stand
ing smartly at attention while the
troops passed in review. Captain
Roosevelt smiled at this sight OF his
brother. which was roundly cheered
by the audience.
The house was jammed to capacity.
The Sixth cavalry band played pa
triotic and popular airs. the audience
Joining in singing. lover There" The
band was showered with flowers by
enthusiastic French admirers.
Soldiers Garry Wounded Officer.
Outside. a vast throng watched the
arrival OF celebrities. The most i'm
pressive scenes were enacted when
a number OF ambulances drove up.
Slowly and carefully the boys who
recently were wounded at Chateau
Thierry were helped from the ambu-
lances and tenderly assisted to seats
in section reserved for them. One
French 'offcer, unable to walk. was
carried in by two husky American
soldiers, whose locked hands formed
a saddle, the Frenchman sitting with
kee boys. The dramatic realism OF
brought more tears to the eyes OF
spectators than did any OF the battle
scenes within.
The battlefront struggle became
even more impressive to me when I
saw these bandageG boys, watching
the pictures, whom I saw but a few
days ago, fighting on the Marne. In
the pictures they saw themselves.
whole and strong, marching battle
ward. Again they saw the streams
OF refugees they passed en- route, and !
again were enacted before their eyes |
the scenes that marked the high tide |
OF the German advance, when the 1
Americans barred the road to Paris |
and stopped the enemy as the French |
had stopped him in 1914.
Applause for Leaders.
Pictures OF PershinG and Wilson !
were greeted with tremendous ap-
plause, as were all scenes depicting |
arrival Of American transports. vast |
American docks and other military /
works in France, and the long lines !
Of American troops, marching out to !
drive the Hun back out OF France.
Captain Roosevelt's first inquiry, ad-
dressed to the United Press repre-
sentative, was for the pictures of his
baby, which Mrs. Roosevelt had ar
ranged TO send him through United
Press Representatives. When told
the pictures had not been received, the
capital masked that Mrs. Roosevelt be !
requested to mail duplicates as soon
Is possible, as the first pictures sent
nay have been lost in the mails.
Captain Roosevelt has not seen his
baby, and is eager to get a glimpse
0f it's picture.
The captain still walks with aid of !
| cane, but he is well recovered from (
he worst effects OF his wound.