"To the fascinating subject of finger painting, Willard Pictures has added its flawless color photography, and the result is Young America Paints. Finger painting is a subject highly suited to movies, in so far as the actual painting is concerned; but, when it comes to showing the results on such an extensive scale as was necessary in this film, a good deal of cinematic ingenuity is needed. Clear, direct presentation marks the entire picture, and the excellent narrative is powerful although unobtrusive. Fresh and interesting angles, together with unconventional lighting methods, serve to give the picture a pace and verve that the subject requires. This movie accomplishes its purpose in a most satisfactory manner, for nobody could see the film without feeling a strong urge to start finger painting for himself. That in itself is the greatest tribute that can be paid to a persuasive type of motion picture." Movie Makers, Dec. 1940, 601.
"Beneath ominous storm clouds, the recently engaged Ann Lister (Winifred Poyser) and Bob Randle (Harry Ellis) argue about their ideas of marital bliss - she wants a house in town, he prefers a country cottage. As the argument reaches its peak, Ann removes her engagement ring, and hands it back to Bob, who walks away, crestfallen. Visiting Amelia - "a very modern girl with very modern ideas about love" - Ann admits that she broke off the engagement in an attempt to find out if Bob really loves her. Following a series of encounters in the street, Ann hatches a plan to become the leading lady opposite Bob in a new theatrical production. But will their love survive the ultimate test?" (EAFA Database)
"Young Fella is a teaching film; it is also a family film. Again Walter Bergmann presents his charming household and shows the devotion of its members for pets. This time it is a young cocker spaniel that is the star. Subtitles on the proper care of dogs point up the scenes which demonstrate the advice given, as to feeding, bathing, playing and proper use of a run. Young Fella is an appealing pup and a willing actor, but the Bergmann cats steal some of the scenes in typical fashion." Movie Makers, Dec. 1948, 496.
"A lesson on FDR's Four Freedoms." ("More about an Amateur Cinema League of Nations.")
"Glimpses of Life and Work in a School Forestry Camp "Somewhere in Scotland." (EAFA Database)
"Edited film created by Frank L. Kreznar, an award winning amateur filmmaker, documents Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Vojvodina, and Serbia. Most of the footage is of countryside or mountainous areas although Kreznar depicts Zagreb, Croatia, and Belgrade, Serbia. The historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Vojvodina, Serbia, is only historic building filmed. The footage of Slovenia emphasizes agriculture, while the footage of Bosnia-Herzegovina includes scenic shots of mountains and waterfalls. Kreznar also shows traditional houses in the rural areas providing a contrast to modern Soviet construction such as Soviet-style apartment buildings. Shots of urban areas also include an emphasis on the lack of cars, high volumes of pedestrian traffic, and the popularity of public transportation. He depicts churches that are still being actively used while discussing the lack of Soviet suppression of religion in Yugoslavia, and he shows the existence of privately held business enterprises such as taxi services and cafés. He also mentions that the majority of Yugoslavian agriculture is under private, family control and that private businesses with five or less employees are allowed to exist. Kreznar discusses the impact of wars between Eastern and Western Europe on this territory, showing various war memorials throughout the film. The film ends with footage of hitchhikers – mainly from countries in Western Europe – attempting to travel through the country" via the Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Museum.
Total Pages: 295
Amateur Cinema