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Scientifilmaker, v. 1, issue 1, May 1938

Page 4

The Scientfilmaker Page 4

WHAT I HAVE DONE TO GET METROPOLIS 
By William S. Sykora

Recently , "notices" have appeared in various fan magazines that the newly formed scient cinema club of New York called "The Scientifilmakers" would postively show a revival of the great silent scientifccinema- "Metropolis". Grave doubts have been cast on this announcement by the small radical movement in the stf field. It is in order to dispel all doubts raised by these persons that this article is now being written. 

It had been hoped to make the showing of "Metropolis" somewhat of a surprise announcement. Unfortunately, this can no longer be the case. It had also been hoped, that the film would be obtained in time to be shown at THE FIRST NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION. Unfortunately, the time proved to be too short and the work too involved to make this possible. 

In order to give the reader some idea of the difficulty of obtaining this film, the following information which had, up to now, been kept as a carefully guarded secret, is herewith given out. In the first, place, the laws pertaining to the showing of all standard 35mm. film provide that a permit be obtained a licensed operator be hired. This has been done. As a matter of fact, the use of an entire theatre has already been guaranteed to the writer, whenever the film "Metropolis" becomes available. The most important, and at the same time the most difficult ttask is to obtain a print of the film. The opwriter contained the sponsers of "Metropolis" when it was shown in this country in 1927. It was discovered then that no print of this film is obtainable in the United States. "The Scientifilmmakers" must import this film direct from Germany. 

Even now, undaunted, we are carrying on negotiations for the rental of this film from the original makers. It is hoped that a final and very important announcement regarding the showing of this great film will be made in the next issue of "The Scientifilmaker" which will appear in June or July. 

But we must be able to definitely prove that there is a real market for this film in this country. We must prove that the one showing which we will be able to give will pay for the rental of the film, other wise the German owners of "Metropolis" will not gamble on its importation into America We must show a DEMAND. 

If you are interested in seeing "Metropolis" write to the editor of "The Scientifilmaker" AT ONCE. Tell us how much you really would like to see it. Make your letters convincing. Make the film owners realize that it is worth theri while to send the film over here. Have we your cooperation, readers? rite in, and let us know!

JOIN THE SCIENTIFILMAKERS OF NEW YORK 
Dues for regular members, who must be residents of New York - $0.50 initiation fee and $0.50 per month, payable at each monthly meeting. Dues ofr associate members who reside out of town; $1.00 per year.

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The Scientfilmaker Page 4 WHAT I HAVE DONE TO GET METROPOLIS By William S. Sykora Recently , "notices" have appeared in various fan magazines that the newly formed scient cinema club of New York called "The Scientifilmakers" would postively show a revival of the great silent scientifccinema- "Metropolis". Grave doubts have been cast on this announcement by the small radical movement in the stf field. It is in order to dispel all doubts raised by these persons that this article is now being written. It had been hoped to make the showing of "Metropolis" somewhat of a surprise announcement. Unfortunately, this can no longer be the case. It had also been hoped, that the film would be obtained in time to be shown at THE FIRST NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION. Unfortunately, the time proved to be too short and the work too involved to make this possible. In order to give the reader some idea of the difficulty of obtaining this film, the following information which had, up to now, been kept as a carefully guarded secret, is herewith given out. In the first, place, the laws pertaining to the showing of all standard 35mm. film provide that a permit be obtained a licensed operator be hired. This has been done. As a matter of fact, the use of an entire theatre has already been guaranteed to the writer, whenever the film "Metropolis" becomes available. The most important, and at the same time the most difficult ttask is to obtain a print of the film. The opwriter contained the sponsers of "Metropolis" when it was shown in this country in 1927. It was discovered then that no print of this film is obtainable in the United States. "The Scientifilmmakers" must import this film direct from Germany. Even now, undaunted, we are carrying on negotiations for the rental of this film from the original makers. It is hoped that a final and very important announcement regarding the showing of this great film will be made in the next issue of "The Scientifilmaker" which will appear in June or July. But we must be able to definitely prove that there is a real market for this film in this country. We must prove that the one showing which we will be able to give will pay for the rental of the film, other wise the German owners of "Metropolis" will not gamble on its importation into America We must show a DEMAND. If you are interested in seeing "Metropolis" write to the editor of "The Scientifilmaker" AT ONCE. Tell us how much you really would like to see it. Make your letters convincing. Make the film owners realize that it is worth theri while to send the film over here. Have we your cooperation, readers? rite in, and let us know! JOIN THE SCIENTIFILMAKERS OF NEW YORK Dues for regular members, who must be residents of New York - $0.50 initiation fee and $0.50 per month, payable at each monthly meeting. Dues ofr associate members who reside out of town; $1.00 per year.