Is Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1983)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures, a standout production of 1983, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A unique documentary that chronicles the amazing career of turn-of-the-century moving picture pioneer Lyman H. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A unique documentary that chronicles the amazing career of turn-of-the-century moving picture pioneer Lyman H. Howe of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, whose six touring companies introduced most of rural American to the movies. Special archival footage includes the first successful moving pictures ever taken from an airplane (Lincoln Beachey, Wilkes-Barre, 1911); the historic address delivered by President Theodore Roosevelt to 100,000 (Wilkes-Barre, 1905); Construction of the Panama Canal (1913),and Lyman H. Howe Days at the San Diego and San Francisco World's Fairs (California 1915). Long before talking pictures, Lyman H. Howe entertainments featured the photograph and live sound effects from behind the screen. Included are voiceovers by individuals who were part of the Lyman Howe moving picture shows and who remember, first hand, the impact they made a century ago."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Mercedes McCambridge provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Ben Levin is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 28 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1983 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ben Levin respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mercedes McCambridge or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lyman H. Howe's High Class Moving Pictures is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.