Evening star., 1951-10-31

oHo 'ots Ic19tUuS pooIeS,
use properly handled is 10
times as effective as just words
alone"
Mr.. Kofod, of the Woodmere
Methodist Church here, is one of
thousands of ministers throughout
the country who has begun using
inspirational films in church
services.
Although the pulpit, the SER
mons. the hymns and the Sunday
school recitalS remain basic stand
bys of worship services, most
major denominations now con-
slider films vital adjunct.
Must Expand Techniques.
Churches, in the contemporary
world, have found they must use
the best contemporary known
means of reaching the minds and
hearts of men," said DR.. Albert
D. Stauffacher, head of the Con-
gregational- Christian Church Mis-
Sions Council.
IF they don't, they're letting
the foes of faith have an upper
hand"
Denominations, which formerly
were wary of picture shows" in
the church, have set up and ex-
panded audio-visual departments.
Film projectors have become al
most standard equipment in the
meeting rooms of the Synagogues
and churches.
William Rogers. head Of the
Religious Film Association central
agency with church film libraries
across the country, said his rec
ords show church use of films to-
day is 10 times what it was five
years ago.
About $4,000 churches now get
films from the agency more or
less regularly" he said. Five
years ago, the number was 5000.
Now Make Own Films.
But this is just part of the story.
Many denominations, singly and
collectively, have launched ex-
panded programs for making films
Of their own-with experts hired
to do the job.
Movie cameras of Hollywood
have been enlisted. Numerous new
companies have sprung up specif-
ically to put the stories and les
sons of the Bible on film.
Newly launched is an organi-
cation of lay Catholics Holly
wood directors, writer's and tech
nicians-to produce and distribute
films with a spiritual message.
"They are movie professionals.
dissatisfied with motion pictures
simply as q commercial product,
q Catholic spokesman said. Is
Miss Pearl Rosser of Chicago,
head Of the audio-visual depart
ment of the National Council of
Churches, said religious film pro-
duction has increased from about
20 films in 1916 to $50 last year.
Film Library Set Up.
To supply films to Jewish
synagogues across the country,
the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations last month set up
an elaborate new audio-visual
center and film library.
Kids today-and adults too
are so accustomed to technical
advantages that unless we keep
up with the trend, we're liable to
be lost in the shuffle," a spokes-
man said. eve won't teach them
unless we compete with modern
methods"
With the greatly Increased use
and demands for better quality
films, the cost of religious produc-
tions has scared. A few years ago
1t was unusual for a denomination
to spend more than a few thou
sand dollars on a film project.
Now six-figure picture budgets
are not uncommon.
Several Lutheran groups this
fall began work on a movie of
the life of Martin Luther, with an
initial budget of 100000.
The types Of pictures vary
silent filmstrips with written texts,
slides with recorded sound, and
sound movies, some feature
length-and others short sub
jects-to be integrated with les
sons.
Approaches Also Vary.
The approaches vary also. Ev-
eryday problems are presented,
with religious solutions. Abstract
biblical tenets are couched in con-
crete situations, with dramatic
and emotional impacts.
Occasions on which the films are
used differ with individual de-
nominations and congregations,
but here are some of them:
Sunday schools, Sunday night
worship services, leadership
schools, summer camps, training
groups, family week-night services
and in special drives.
The increased church use of
films has been so rapid, Miss Pearl
Rossen of Chicago, head of the
audio-visual department of the
National Council of Churches
said, that there is a possibility
some congregations will overdo it,
There's a danger of turning
Sunday schools into wholly spec
tator experience" she said. "A
good many have gone to the ex-
treme but they'll soon dis
cover films alone won't do the job
There must be participation"
Maintains Hollywood Office.
The National Councils Depart
ment of Films and Broadcasting
which represents more than 80 de-
nominations, maintains separate
Offices in Hollywood to handle film
assignments.
Several big-name movie stars
among them jimmy Stewart
Ronald Reagan and Virginia Mayo
have offered to aid in future de-
partment productions.
The department also provides
AA~s&A b. 81 Y~I1