(Chapman Films). 1934-42. Made by Mrs. Gilbert W. Chapman.

(5/13/00)

This film is made up of vignettes of important cultural figures of the time, such as Picasso, Matisse, Stravinsky, Gertrude Stein and Diego Rivera. I think it would be of great interest to anyone with an interest in the cultural history of the period.

The scenes have an intimacy and at the smae time are quite animated. I think that the film benefits from the fact that the people filmed were celebrities and by-and-large were comfortable with cameras.

It is fascinating to see Pavel Tchelitchew in his penthouse garden. Matisse looks a little bewildered. It is fascinating to see Picasso in a scene with his dealer Daniel Henry Kahnweiler. On the other side of the coin, it is a disappointment that Diego Rivera was not accompanied before the camera by his wife, Frida Kahlo.

There are so many interesting people in this picture and it moves so quickly that there isn't a chance to get bored. This film is a treat.