The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-07-09
PARIS WELCOMES WITH OPEN ARMS
 YANKEE FILMS
Industry Was at Standstill
 During the War But Now Things Look a Lot Better.

Paris--The invasion of France by American film makers is welcomed by Cinematograph men and news paper writers as one of the best things that could happen to that in dustry. They take the ground that as the industry has been at a stand still during the years of the war. France is far behind in the race, and competition is the best incentive to spur French people on to their best efforts. And competition by American makers, who alone, of all the world, have pushed ahead, can only bring advancement to the industry here.
 Ike establishment of Paris branch offices by William A. Brady, Para inount-Lasky, William Fox and others has furnished the subject for articles in many of the leading publications in this city, and Charles L4e Courier in this city, and Charles Le Fraper in Le Courier. takes the lead by saying takes the lead by saying:
 The American filmmakers know which of our films are suited to the taste of their countrymen. They un- derstand so thoroughly the depth and strength of French thought, that they have come to Europe, not only for the sake of making a very thorough study, but also for the sake of sowing in our fertile soil good grain, which will bring a splendid harvest.
 "Monats selections, which are now being presented to use on the Paris market, are for the most part Am eri- can productions. They are greatly enriching the collection of Aubert Thanks to this fact, we have been able to see these pictures projected and are abIe to appreciate their true worth.
 At the time of writing this article Americans have established studios agencies and exhibitors service. Must we not, then, increase the number of our theatres? They propose, more over, to produce the works of our best writers and poets, and with the aid of American genius and all the modern mechanical devices, to turn them into industrial products. And is there not in this the realization of the idea which Marce1l Vandal has brought back to us? (from Amer 1 ica). I cell to mind clearly the last sentence of his Notes.
 Tomorrow it will be French scenarios, interpreted by Americans, which will rule in the market. We. Delac and Vandal, shall endeavor to get dnedu Ol lIltIll III lIlIS- W . S ready to do 50. You shall see the re- suit in the near future
 And it is from this good compe- tition that there will arise the so | long expected revival of our national cinematography.
 Far from the plans of these Amer jeans, approve of them heartily. Let them come, those who have fought with us against the Boche and his kultur, those who have paid bloody ] tribute to victory. Let them have free access to the city! Let them not hesi- tate to come once more to our shoresl We need all this fresh energy, all this contagious enthusiasm. and the spirit of daring. Perhaps the presence in Paris of representatives of the great American industry will stimulate our ,proverbial timtdity. Perhaps, with the example of our friends from across the sea before us, we shall b., able to raise our cinematography to the rank which it deserves after hay ing given so many proofs of its possi- bilities
 "Cinematography is undergoing the process of evolution, and the evolu- ton spells progress. And since it is now necessary for us to have Ameri- can collaboration let us welcome this. and let its influence become apparen. as soon as possible"
 With that vigorous spontaneity," says the Cine Journal, which is one of the great charms of our friends from across the sea, the American film makers have told us of some of our weaknesses. France is seriously handicapped in the film market. If the English have lost five years, we have lost ten years, and the French nation. so rich in art, in thought, and in the theatre, now occupies one of the lowest places in the art of the cinema. There remains much to be done, and these Americans ask noth- ing better than to be permitted to aid us in doing this.
 This lesson in energy is not at all disp1easing to us. All in the moving picture industry will understand it"