Review of Photoplay Appreciation in American High Schools

Abstract

Reviews the monograph, Photoplay Appreciation in American High Schools by William Lewin (D. Appleton-Century Company, New York). The nation-wide interest recently aroused in the subject of motion pictures and their influence, particularly upon youth, makes timely the publication of this monograph by Lewin, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Photoplays tend to have a more constructive influence upon the attitude and conduct of children who receive classroom instruction in motion picture criticism, the author concludes after a study of the film reactions reported by 1,851 high school pupils. Where class discussions of pictures had been held, a higher percentage was able to mention instances of specific influence, usually in the direction of higher ideals. Outlines of units of instruction in photoplay appreciation for junior and senior high schools, suggestions for activities of a photoplay club, and several stenographic reports of class discussions are included in the monograph, which is of especial interest to high school teachers and administrators. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)