"More than 1,000 years ago there was founded in Flanders a hamlet called in Flemish Brug-ge but today known as Bruges. It is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Esther Cooke visits beautiful Bruges in the season of its celebration of the events of the crucifixion. The music rests like a benediction, leaving the town to its memories of a glorious past" PSA Journal, Nov. 1958, 46.
"A most workmanlike travelog of the West is Bryce Canyon Wonderland, a Kodachrome accomplishment of Frank Gunnell. Even, careful exposures make the film a delight on the screen, while interesting touches portraying the personal angle provide the cinematic punctuation. Gorgeous color rendition obtained in this wonderland was the result of experience and good judgment. The use of a tripod for every shot, coupled with finished technique and a dramatic subject, accounts for this film's photographic excellence." Movie Makers, Dec. 1936, 549.
"Burano by the sea, fisherman mending their nets, life along and on the canal. A visit with times of old, fine embroidery, the cobbler, children quietly at play, the market, the village square and its grand architecture and bronze statuary. It is feeding time in the square for a zillion pigeons. Another gem of Esther's visits to Europe" PSA Journal, Nov. 1960, 41.
"By Sea To Florida, 400 ft., 16mm., made by Porter Varney of Bradenton, Fla., is a film record of a sea trip which derives its importance from the fact that the photography and choice of viewpoint are consistently exceptional. Parts of the ship, such as the rigging and cordage, the portholes, the lifeboat davits, etc., were used with rare artistry as aids to composition and effect. An expert use of filters produced exceptionally pleasing and truthful black and white rendition of the sea and the movement and sway of the ship. Continuity was effectually obtained by a shifting of the camera viewpoint, emphasizing the harbor, the high seas and the arrival in Florida. A startling climax to the film was given by a series of shots of an approaching hurricane captured by Mr. Varney 's intrepid camera." Movie Makers, Dec. 1931, 685.
"documentario turistico"/touristic documentary
"Esther Cooke showed intelligence and imagination in organizing the material of this travel study of Scotland, so that even the least observant should get from it a truly representative feeling of that doughty land. Well written titles serve as titles should, to infuse in the film pertinent data not shown in the scenes; technically, a less fussy style of title lettering would have been an improvement. Mrs. Cooke's slight camera unsteadiness in scenes of the King and Queen of England at the Scottish festival was understandable, for undoubtedly tripods were barred from that event. There were, however, a few other uneven shots that seemed to us questionable in value. Restrained use of bagpipe recordings highlight a generally effective musical score." Movie Makers, Dec. 1949, 469.
"A trip through the Canadian Rockies and to the Chateau Isabella." UCLA Film & Television Archive.
"2 part edited travelogue film beginning in Ontario and working west to British Columbia, documenting the resources, landscape and recreation of Canada. Includes a large amount of natural scenery, but also diverse events such as fishing, a rodeo and water sports. Also gives a look into factories and resorts." Chicago Film Archives
"2 part edited travelogue film beginning in Ontario and working west to British Columbia, documenting the resources, landscape and recreation of Canada. Includes a large amount of natural scenery, but also diverse events such as fishing, a rodeo and water sports. Also gives a look into factories and resorts." Chicago Film Archives
Total Pages: 43
Amateur Cinema