I have read Mr. Jackson Wrigley’s little book and I think it an
admirable statement of the uses of the Film in Popular Education. It is
clearly and succinctly written and its arguments are undeniable. I have
just come from California where I spent nearly a year in writing films
and studying the industry and art, and Mr. Wrigley is right in saying
that 6,000 schools in America have cinema rooms. Quite apart from the
entertainment in stories presented on the screen, there is immense
value in the teaching of the film in geography, science, and natural
history and topical events; and I would, if I could, put a film in
every school, or rather, have films shown in every school in the land.
I believe some fears have been expressed that the films may injure the
eye-sight. Well, there is steady improvement in the lighting of the
films, and expert medical authorities must decide as to that. Of one
thing I am sure, that if injury does ensue it will be dealt with by
scientific experts, and the danger will ultimately be removed.
Mr. Wrigley’s book is an excellent contribution to general knowledge
on the subject, and it should be widely read. The time will come,
I believe, when Municipalities in England will do as is done in
Wellesley, Massachusetts, and give “Municipal Movies” two days a week.
I have faith that the enquiries and reports of the Cinema Commission
will induce the London County Council to include the film in the
educational life of the country, and that all Councils throughout the
country will do the same.