"Film is about what happens when a two-minute power failure causes a blackout. Cameras caught before and after scenes in four houses, titled 'Daughter's Date,' 'The Ladder,' 'Cat and Dog,' and 'Women.' " Archives of Ontario.
"In making Fire-Fighters Field Day, William Messner again has demonstrated his versatility with the motion picture camera. Choosing a subject which has only limited appeal, he makes it interesting nevertheless with good newsreel technique. Shooting the fire-fighting demonstration at New Haven, Connecticut, in one day's time and without advance planning, Mr. Messner captures the activities of the fire-fighters against a varied backdrop of flames, smoke, chemicals and steam. Since part of the action takes place in bright sunlight and part in shadow, the producer had to be alert in changing his diaphragm openings to insure even exposure. In view of the difficult and ever-changing light conditions, Mr. Messner deserves special commendation for the fidelity of his coverage. While the photography was outstanding, the accompanying tape track was a trifle noisy." Movie Makers, Dec. 1952, 340.
"Civil defense is the theme and purpose of this bit of realism-disaster, fire, dead, and injured. How the emergencies are met through planning and co-ordination of the fire department, police, medical corps, volunteers, and ham radio operators. The film is descriptive of the hundred and one things that must be coordinated to meet a disaster. A good civil defense picture" PSA Journal, Oct. 1961, 49.
"Ernest Kremer has produced, in The Silent Alarm, a film dealing with the first aid duties of the volunteer fire department of East Hempstead, N. Y. — hence, the "silent" alarm. The picture opens slowly, showing first aid training ifor newly inducted members of the department, but it builds to a remarkable climax in a sequence of the firemen using an inhalator on a badly suffering asthma victim. This closing sequence was filmed during an asthma attack from which the department, working heroically throughout the night, actually saved a man's life." Movie Makers, Dec. 1944, 496.
"Filmed by Arthur H. Smith of San Francisco, the story opens with Jackie, a lad of 4 years, playing on the sidewalk near his home. Observing a kitten crossing the street, his natural inclination toward pets impels him to run into the street after it. An unseen car bears down upon the boy and the driver is unable to avoid striking him down. Jackie is rushed to the hospital where his life is saved with difficulty, although he will be permanently crippled. The doctor advises Jackie's parents that although he has survived the operation, the lad has only a short time to live." Home Movies, Dec. 1946, 749.
Amateur Cinema