"An amateur film made by and starring the husband and wife duo, John & Evelyn Kibar. After Mrs. Kibar asks Mr. Kibar to throw away his old collectables, or “junk,” Mr. Kibar begins reflecting on past travels. Only later do we find out this travel sequence is actually just a dream." Chicago Film Archives
"Not One Word, by Kenneth F. Space, ACL, is an all around triumph of amateur photoplay production. It is a simple melodrama of the keeper of a lighthouse, his wife and the rejected suitor who returns. A wreck at sea (beautifully staged in miniature) is the complicating dramatic factor, and, with these ingredients, a dignified motion picture story of remarkable unity has been produced. In it, Mr. Space and his able staff have blended dramatic lighting, authentic settings and superb photography to achieve a distinguished whole. Under restrained but smoothly paced direction, the three leading players have enacted their roles with definite histrionic skill. If one were to try to select a single quality in the film which is outstandingly brilliant, the vote of this observer would be cast for the cutting. It is accurate and incisive, adding that last bit of dramatic "punch" which is perhaps the quality least often achieved by the amateur producer. Not One Word speaks for itself, but in the wordless and potent idiom of cinematic imagination." Movie Makers, Dec. 1934, 534.
"Stuart Day relaxes at home. He is reading a book entitled 'Let’s Go Abroad'. His eye is caught by a description of a 9 day tour, including 6 nights in Zermatt in Switzerland, at a price of £9-19-6 (inclusive). Putting the book aside, he pulls out of his jacket a letter from the Rubber Neck Co. it is bad news. The letter informs the company’s shareholders that due to poor summer sales, no dividend will be paid. With a deep sigh, he puts the letter to one side, picks up the book and begins to flick through its pages. He chances upon an amateur film-making competition, with a range of cash prizes. Entry forms for the competition will be forwarded with the travel tickets purchased. Stuart Day looks around the room as deliberates how he can fund his holiday. His eyes settle on the amateur filmmaking trophies sitting on the sideboard and he decides to pawn them. He takes the trophies and receives cash. The opening sequence concludes as he places his tickets from the Polytechnic Touring Association into a wallet. The travel footage follows" (EAFA Database).
"The able talent of the Rockville Cinema Club again has produced an excellent photoplay. In Notoriety, the acting of this seasoned group of players sets a high standard for amateurs, and the work of the leading lady deserves special mention. Able direction and camera work help to carry along a story which has a few weak spots in its structure, for the film has a surprising amount of suspense, which is unusual in amateur dramatic ventures. There are several smooth comedy sequences that are extraordinarily well handled, and there are interior scenes of outstanding quality in lighting. The work of this group constitutes a good example to those who feel that good films are made only with elaborate equipment, for this picture tells its story in straightforward, workmanlike sequences filmed with the simplest of accessories." Movie Makers, Dec. 1937, 629-630.
"Amateur film in one continuous shot parodying a talk show, where the guests promoting an Institute of Amateur Cinematographers (IAC) gathering in the next year get carried away with their enthusiasm, much to the chagrin of the host." Chicago Film Archives
"Once again the Lawlers permit us an intimate glimpse into the lives of their family. Number 10 (boy or girl?) has joined the family and introduces all the brothers and sisters, who, in turn, tell us of their personal doings. The time has come for Number 10 to undergo the ritual of his first haircut. The whole family participates, and each child vividly recalls his or her own experience of the "first haircut." Mother's tears fall as the curls fall, but all is cheerfully forgotten as their beautiful "girl" emerges from the barber's apron a handsome boy. All narration, in each child's voice, is in rhyme, and the charm of the children is heard as well as seen, making this a truly outstanding family film" PSA Journal, Oct. 1963, 40.
The film chronicles the struggles of young medical interns who had to perform compulsory rural service as part of their medical training.
"An amateur film made by and starring the husband and wife duo, John & Evelyn Kibar. The film follows John, a cake decorator, as he struggles to keep up with the bakery’s cake orders. Title cards with dialogue are dispersed throughout the film." Chicago Film Archives
"The Nugget, as one might expect, is a nugget of gold, produced by the Los Angeles 8mm Club. This type of picture offers the desirable opportunity to engage many of the club members for production purposes as well as parts in the story. There are the old miner, his niece, her boy friend (who is also the sheriff), the Marshal, and the outlaws. Much of the story was filmed in the Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm outside Los Angeles. The interiors were filmed in the garage after suitable props had been constructed. The music and spoken word contribute atmosphere and understanding. An excellent Western picture" PSA Journal, Nov. 1957, 53.
Total Pages: 203
Amateur Cinema