"This proved to be an unusual serio-comedy, telling of a restless young husband and how he was cured. It was very well acted by Alfred Fontana as the husband, Margaret Ervin as the vamp, Anne Howe, and Beatrice Traendly as the wife. The directon of Russell T. Ervin Jr. was remarkably good, revealing an unusual facility for telling a story concisely and quickly. Then too, he understood how to cover any histrionic imperfections of his cast. 'And How!' is a suprisingly neat amateur film" Photoplay, June. 1928, 66
"The special award, also of $500, went to Kennin Hamilton, of 28 Maitland Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for his visualization of Hood's 'The Dream of Eugene Aram' in 16 millimeters. Mr. Hamilton played the principal role of Eugene Aram, disclosing a graceful pantomimic skill. The photography was handled by K. A. Mackenzie. A Cine Kodak, using Kodak Safety Film, was used. Mr. Hamilton had no special lenses or equipment and yet he achieved some singularly beautiful shots. Nature supplied his lighting, even for his interiors. A stepplader served as a tripod." Photoplay, Jun. 1928, 136.
"Clyde Hammond, of 65 Murdock Street, Youngstown, Ohio, won an honorable mention in the 16 millimeter division for his study of country life, 'The Dragon Fly.'Mr. Hammond worked out a strong atmospheric study of a selfish country boy, home from college, and his hard-working farmer father."Photoplay, Jun. 1928, 137
"An honorable mention in the 35 millimeter division went to Thomas Fisher, of 410 Semple Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., for his grim and Barrymorish study of Poe's 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' Mr. Fisher played two parts, displayed no little skill in make-up and worked out an interesting, if gory, film." Photoplay, Jun. 1928, 137.
"Robert Florey and Slavko Vorkapich created one of the most creative (particularly in light of its reputed $97 budget) and bleakest of the early avant-garde films. Photographed by Gregg Toland, who would become best known for his work on "Citizen Kane," the film is the time-worn tale of a movie extra (Jules Raucort) marginalized by one casting director after another until he's seen only as a number symbolically appearing on his forehead. The ultra simplistic sets and props, made of toys and cardboard buildings projected like shadows, help to create intricate German Expressionistic cityscapes reminiscent at times of "Metropolis." " National Film Registry.
"Filmmaking brothers Sidney and Harold Preston present a beautifully shot record of time and place, taking us to the great Lancashire seaside resort in the interwar years. Whether enjoying the bird's eye view from the top of the tower, trying out the Pleasure Beach rides, or just befriending the donkeys on the beach, the three generations of the Preston family are clearly having a grand day out." (BFI Player)
"Members of the Preston family enjoying the carnival celebrations at Greater Brighton, in 1928. Various activities are seen taking place on the beach, seafront, streets and promenade. Includes shots of a jazz band performing outside; people driving miniature cars around a small race track and a woman playing on a one-armed bandit machine. Also includes footage of the Duke and Duchess of York's visit to the Royal Pavilion." (NWFA Online)
"Renowned Hungarian violinist Jelly D'Aranyi steals the scene, and brings a swirl of glamour to a cold Manchester day, as she entertains young Ruth Behrens in the family's garden. Jelly always stayed at Holly Royde, the Behrens' family home, when she performed with the Halle Orchestra. Look out for Ruth's sister Mary, confined to the house with a cold, and watching the fun through opera glasses." (BFI Player)
"…a legend of Merlin set locally. Everything was done, with the exception of the laboratory work, by members of the society at a cost of about £20. The picture runs for twenty minutes" (Anon 1927, 50).
"The principal award of $500 in the 16 millimeter division was awarded to B. V. Covert...for his remarkable study of a quail hunt and a number of beautiful pointers in action. Mr. Covert's photography was superb in this film and in two other contest contributions submitted for the consideration of the judges...His films revealed, besides brilliant photography, an unusual scenic sense. His films were no mere series of disjointed shots. In each case, Mr. Covert told a story—and an interesting one" Photoplay, June 1928, 67.
Total Pages: 299
Amateur Cinema