Allgemein

THE ELECTROPLANE CAMERA

A New System For Obtaining Natural Depth
By EDWARD P. HOLDEN, JR.,
Smith-Dieterich Corporation

from the American Cinematographer February, 1942 p.56/57

FROM the first feeble and eye-wracking “flicker” of the primitive movie, to the present time, three cardinal improvements were always in the minds of

the scientist and engineer,—Sound, Depth and Color.
The first of these—Sound—was finally introduced to motion picture audiences against practically universal opposition on the part of the producer. Even though far from perfect at its inception, once audience reaction became evident, all silent pictures were but remnants of an ancient era, gone forever.
Color, after vast expense in its development, and much complication even today in its production, coupled with more or less satisfactory results, has at length become a recognized feature of motion pictures.

But what of so-called Depth, which was said by no less an authority than the great Thomas A. Edison, to be the next important step forward in cinematography? Efforts without number have cluttered the files of the Patent Office with vast reams of paper; monstrous cameras have been built on concrete bases; the shape and surface of the screen has been modified; the unfortunate audience has been saddled with spectacles and eye-glasses, all with what result? A bad imitation of the ancient stereoscope found on the sitting-room tables of our grandparents. No depth effect in its true sense, which is nothing more than clear, natural vision. [Read more…] about CINEWOLF X-MAS-SURPRISE 13: THE ELECTROPLANE CAMERA

By
EARL THEISEN
Honorary Curator
Motion Pictures
Los Angeles Museum

The International Photographer April 1934 p.10

THE most important of the dramatic devices of the motion picture is light. Light and shade are the most vital of the cinematic tools.

Emotions are literally painted with light. George Raft, for example, is depicted in love by a special soft lighting in one scene and in the next, through the use of a harsh light, he is a menace. Pastoral and spring-like effects are the result of soft, shimmery “catch light” and after changing the lights on the same set, it becomes a suitable setting for any villainy.

The flashing and uncertain lighting of the mystery picture gives rise to fear. Menace is portrayed by “hard” lighting” the features. Any desired reaction can be gained by the light artist. [Read more…] about CINEWOLF X-MAS-SURPRISE 12: PART of the STORY of LIGHTING

Your Hit Parade is an American radio and television music program that was broadcast from 1935 to 1955 on radio, and seen from 1950 to 1959 on television. It was sponsored by American Tobacco’s Lucky Strike cigarettes. During this 24-year run, the show had 19 orchestra leaders and 52 singers or groups. 

By Paul R. Harmer

from The International Photographer April 1934 pg.8

NATURAL publicity such as an earthquake is quickly taken advantage of by showmen and we have the best in the business here in Hollywood, but making a natural cataclysm perform on
schedule, so the world may see for itself just how a major earthquake looks in action, is a problem attempted only by the world’s greatest optimists. They do it and it is genuine, except that the casualties get well immediately, when the directors shouts “cut.”

It is true that some companies have taken advantage of the wreckage caused by erathquakes, but in this article we are concerned only with the ones where moving picture stars and actors are woven into a series of incidents and adventures, during the filming of a major motion picture production.

The fact that THE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER is a professional and technical magazine and its circulation is almost entirely confined to the workers in the motion picture industry is the only reason such an article as this can be attempted. [Read more…] about CINEWOLF X-MAS-SURPRISE 09: SYNTHETIC EARTHQUAKES MADE TO ORDER IN THE MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS

from MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS
THE WOMEN S UNIVERSITY CLUB
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 1936 pg.3

NOTE
With the permission of the Public Schools of Denver, Colorado, we are reprinting a portion of a pamphlet by Katherine Anne Ommaney, instructor of dramatics at North High School. It seems that it provides a most valuable set of standards by which to measure one’s critical faculty and consequently one’s ability to appreciate pictures.
—
The Editors.

HOW TO ENJOY MOTION PICTURES

The Relation of the Motion Picture to Youth and the School

Schools which conscientiously seek to provide for young people a curriculum related to real life situations and needs cannot avoid giving consideration to current motion pictures. The material which follows is intended to assist teachers in giving instruction relative to motion pictures.
[Read more…] about CINEWOLF X-MAS-SURPRISE 08: HOW TO ENJOY MOTION PICTURES