Evening star., 1962-01-27

oSAAAAAAoAJ obuNSAAV VI AAS" W.
is an honest report of life and
learning at the attractive Vir-
ginia Theological Seminary
campus in Alexandria.
The film is the more effec-
tive because it was written, di-
rected and produced by stu
dents. And the actors, some
times unaware of the movie
makers, were seminary pupils
and professors conducting their
usual activities.
The result is a fascinating
16-minute moving picture
which teaches as 1t entertains.
It is chiefly the work of these
seniors-James Stamper, Will
liam Elrod and James Smith.
The Seminary Chorus sang two
anthems for musical back
ground.
Deans Idea
The idea originated with the
Rev. Jess Trotter, dean of the
seminary, in September. 1860.
A professional film about the
campus, I'm Such a Time," had
been made several years ago.
1t was a good picture, but
Dean Trotter now wanted a
more informal presentation.
A call for volunteers brought
Mr.. Stamper, who had a sci
ence degree from the Univer-
sity of Kentucky and had
worked for three years in elec-
tronics, to the scene. He agreed
to attempt the job despite to-
tai inexperience in making a
moving picture.
After a couple of test runs,
Mr.. Stamper decided the job
could not be done. But Dean
Trotter and the Rev. Hudnall
Harvey, assistant dean, pre-
vailed upon him to make an
other try.
At this point the question
of a script arose. Dean Trotter,
who originally had planned to
write 1t, was too busy. A con-
test announced the the student
body failed to bring in a suit
able script. The result was
that Mr.. Stamper decided to
write the script as we'll as to
photograph the film.
Parishi0ners a Help
How to begin? AS a seminary
student, Mr.. Stamper was in
charge of two small country
Episcopal missions. He found
the parishioners intensely cur
ious about life at the semi
nary. They constantly asked
such questions as: What are
classes like?" What do stu
dents studyP" What do stu
dents do outside of classes?"
How many are there?" Where
do they live?"
These questions furnished
the basis for the script. Then
Mr.. Stamper started to shoot
the scenes. His goal was to
catch the natural spirit of the
school by shooting the stu
dents, professors and others in
imposed situations. This meant
some diminution of technical
excellence because of the light
ing, but the normal actions
more than made up this loss.
During this period Mr..
Stamper found that som e
scenes could not be taken and
others, unplanned, were feasible.
This forced abandonment of
the original script and the
composing of a new one.
The problem Of a good an
nouncer was easily solved. Mr..
Elrod had been on the NBC
and Mutual radio networks be-
fore deciding to become an
Episcopal priest three years
ago. When Mr.. Stamper asked
him to narrate the film, he
quickly agreed.
Further help came from Mr..
Smith, who provided technical
assistance recording the pic
ture and doing other chores.
Wives Enter Picture
Carefully steering away from
the stereotype Of a typical day
in the life of typical student,
the film reveals seminarians at
class, at study. at play and in
their living quarters. They are
shown in individual shots, with
other students and with their
professors. Even their wives
and children enter the picture.
Since more married than sim
gle men are now attending the
Virginia Theological Seminary,
family life and what wives do
form an integral part of a
seminarian's life.
Adding color and content to
the film were the physical as
poets of the campus. The old
buildings and the new ones,
including the spacious library,
provide an essential background
to the action.