"This film is a study of water in the new manner: A series of photographic shots of the reflections of boats, ferry houses, docks, etc., on water and the whole resulting in a chain of pure abstract patterns of shapes in water. Steiner achieves an astonishing tempo as his film advances. The picture is bound to attract wide attention and a great deal of discussion wherever is shown." Photoplay, Nov. 1929, 67
"Stanley Woolf's film tour of this fascinating island presents an entertaining record, in a pleasantly casual manner, of an American visitor's impressions of the Black Republic. The street scenes and detailed studies of its artisans at work provide engrossing fare, while the voodoo dances at the climax make an exciting film experience. Technically, Haiti — The Black Republic is a wise and workmanlike production. From the short period and superficial observations of a tourist's visit, one cannot, regrettably, ask for a great deal more. The haunting subject matter, however, prompts a fuller answer to such a demand — someday." Movie Makers, Dec. 1950, 467.
"A parody of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," produced and directed by James Blue while he was an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon." Knight Library.
"This tragedy begins with teary goodbyes as two lovers part – Joe is off to America to seek his fortune. In a letter to Beth, Joe says he’ll write again when he's ready for her to come and be his bride. She replies that unless she hears from him soon she will end it all. No reply arrives so Beth drowns herself in a river. Back in America, Joe receives his lover's final letter, which causes him to jump off a suspension bridge. If only they’d known about the incompetence of the Post Office" (BFI Player Online).
"an original story adapted from a newspaper report of a double tragedy caused by a lost letter" (HMHT 1933: 154).
"Almost since the beginning of amateur movies, the dawn-to-dusk continuity has been a perennial favorite in personal movie making. In Hands Around the Clock, William Messner presents a suave and refreshing variation on this well-worn theme. For in his version, as the title suggests, only a pair of hands (apparently belonging to a talented teen-aged youth) portray the morning-to-midnight activities being pictured. Outstanding in Mr. Messner's production is the implicit evidence of exact and imaginative planning. Scene flows into scene, and sequence into sequence, with an effortless ease which finds every transition in exactly the right place. Mr. Messner's musical score is pleasantly suitable, excellently recorded and accurately synchronized. The producer of Maxine's Big Moment, a 1948 Ten Best, has taken a big step forward in creative filming." Movie Makers, Dec. 1950, 464.
"It is a striking gesture to employ the one medium which depends upon the sense of sight to aid the cause of the blind. This is what Jack L. Krapp has done in his comprehensive movie, Hands that Work in the Darkness, a thoroughgoing presentation of the unusual work being done for the sightless by the Cleveland Society for the Blind. The film is of generous length, yet, because of Mr. Krapp's special skill in maintaining interest through choice of viewpoint and because of the absorbing subject matter, it holds the attention throughout. Appropriate musical background, together with the delivery of a well composed spoken narrative, further enhances the presentation of the subject. Mr. Krapp's interior lighting work is very well done, and he seems to be able to take large or small interiors in his stride. A notable section of the film includes the recording of a play, performed by blind actors on a full sized stage. This is an excellent record film and a splendid achievement in its field." Movie Makers, Dec. 1940, 602.
"Hansel and Gretel, an amateur photoplay version of the fairy tale being produced by Edward J. Hayes, A.C.L., Orange, N.J." Movie Makers, May 1932, 224.
"In the Home Movie field, Lawrenson submitted a fine document of a day with his little 2-year-old daughter. The main portion is given over to a day at the seashore. But he gives reasons for everything he does even to going home. He shows a storm coming up and after the family has arrived safely at home, the little looks out of the window while the raindrops patter on the windowpane." American Cinematographer, Jan. 1936, 24.
"Period piece of 1920's starring Roger Clapp and Dorothy Stebbins." Northeast Historic Film.
"It has a story with titles in verse telling how the farm woman compared herself with the Duchess of Windsor and decides she prefers Pa to the Duke and her own simple tasks to the life of a Duchess." American Cinematographer, Feb. 1940, 87.
Total Pages: 203
Amateur Cinema