The Cinema

  The cinema is one of the greatest marvels of the modern age. In 1889, the American scientist, Thomas Alva Edison gave demonstration of the operation of his kinetic scope. This instrument showed moving pictures. Little did Edison know that his invention would evolve into one of the world’s greatest industries. In 1928, a new discovery was made. The technique of sound reproduction was found. The silent film was thus replaced by the talkie. Today we have technically 70 mm film and the panoramic screen, on which the most realistic effects can be created.

  The modern cinema has none of the limitations of the stage-play. The stage-play is stage–bound. The actors, scenes and scenic effects on the stage can never hope to go beyond certain natural limits. The cinema enjoys boundless freedom. The movie- camera can go anywhere and can shoot anything. So there is nothing which the silver-screen cannot show. Trick photography can present the most fantastic scenes and happenings. The present, the past, and the future, the nearest and the farthest, the smallest and biggest are all within the compass of the modern camera. We are shown the structure of an item, and also the conquest of space.

   Unlike the stage-play, cinema film can reach the farthest confines of the earth. Many copies of it can be taken out. It can be stored up and seen at any time, at any place and as often as one likes. Naturally it is the most popular form of entertainment. It has universal appeal as well. Who would not like to be in darkest Africa while sitting comfortably in a push–back chair in a spacious and palatial air-conditioned theater?  The pictures such as Walt Disney’s “The African lion “, “The jungle cat “and the Laurel and Hardy fun frolics have thrilled and delighted millions throughout the world . The educational value also, of good pictures, is no less. History, Geography, science, etc. can be best taught through special instrumental reels. The cartoon and the documentary play a very important role in education, for what is seen and heard, is not easily forgotten.

    But unfortunately, there is a tendency among the younger generation to be film– fans and picture–addicts. The cinema arouses their baser passions and leads them astray they are tempted to imitate the styles and fashions and vices they see on the screen. They sometime go to the extent of re-enacting screen crimes in real life. Many illicit romances, thefts and even murders have been traced to films. Habitual cinema going is harmful and wasteful thrashing. 

   The nerve–center of world film– industry is Hollywood. There , billions of dollars are spent for screen –creations.