The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-01-01


Americans in the shins, giggling al
in half-hearted, barely acceptable
years, and especially in 1885, the inc
it might become something more 81
welfare of the nation, than Just ano
for few people.
This is, of course, to the credit
of the men behind the movie guns.
But it was the only way in which
motion pictures could become an
established art, a branch, or back
bone If you wish, of the drama.
At present, it is supporting many
legitimate actors and actresses who
otherwise would be on the rocks.
In that way, it is benefactor as
well as a participant in the art of
entertaining the world.
What the Talkies Did
Persons who attended the first
movies, did so, not because there
was anything there they particu-
larly wanted to see, but because the
fun came in actually seeing NOV
ing pictures.
To cover up the fact that their
pictures were mere tinsel and folde-
rol, producers built up faxed repu-
tations for their stars" caused
vamps, sheikS and hand-springing
heroes to become the rage of Amer
lean film audiences. 1t was much
easier to hide lack of talent in the
"old days." since the actors didn't
even have to speak English.
With the advent of "talkies," the
moving picture industry received its
first blow. When it finally arose
from the canvas, it found itself a
different person. The beautiful but
dumb" girls had to scratch the last
two words off their names if they
we're to succeed So also the hand
some but benumbed" males, were
forced to brush up on their Ian
guage, and get sense into their
heads as well as in their viSages. 1t
was a general cleanup period.
What 1886 Holds
The highest compliment that
could be paid the motion picture
men was the fact that such estab-
lisbed stage actors as the Barry
mores, the Helen HayeseS, the Katie
Hepburns and the Charles Laugh
tons, came into the ranks of film
dom of their own volition.
What will movies be like in 1886?
They will be cleaner, even more
educational, shorter, better photo
graphed, more carefully directed.
In the reproduction of literary
classics one can not expect much
shorter pictures, but for the general
run of entertaining films, we expect
the length to be curtailed, especially
if the idea of double features con-
tinues.
The pictures of 1886 will deal with
debunked history to great extent.
Major studios have hired competent
historians to edit stories for their
oncoming pictures. The idea of
stripping famous characters of the
vestiges of historical sainthood
probably originated with the veteran
George ArliS. But nearly every i'm
portant studio and producing COM
pany has taken up the chase and
is out for all it can get from the
yelled past.
Edward Small, Reliance Pictures
head, is one of the pioneers in this
type of picture making.
From Hero to Mere Man!
THE neWsreels are showing peo-
pie as they actually are" Mr.. Small
said recently, And feature pictures
are going to do the same, not as a
plotted scheme to debate press
ACCENTED heroes, but because the
public has come to realize that
heroes are human beings. Films
will reduce heroes to men, not pup
pets of virtue"
One studio has announced Ma
poleon" as fol- Incoming produc-
ton, and Marie Antoinette" also
will be released soon. Mary of
Scotland done on the stage last
oSdSOll NY I1SlSIl I1dySS, ID Vic GILL
of third producer. Interest will
be stirred when it becomes generally
known that one of the major pic
ture makers has contracted to pro-
duce Rupert Hughes sensational
George Washington"
The wave of musical films which
got a good start during the past
year. will probably go on to greater
heights. T + is backed up by the
announcemt from Warner Broth
ers studios, first of the companies
to produce the modern musical pic
ture. that chorus girls will have TO-
900 working days at that studio in
the next four months, for dancing
and singing in seven or eight new
musicals.
Gone Are the G-Men
1t Is our belief that the Oman
cycle of pictures, prevalent during
the past year, has about run its
course. If there are any others
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