MONEY FOR FILM STORIES By Norman Lee
On the occasions when the kings of Hollywood and Wardour Street emerge from their fortresses to make a public pronouncement, as often as not it is to speak of the crowds of writers who, lured by reports of the vast sums to be gained by the fortunate, form permanent queues outside their premises in the hope of securing employment—in most cases to no avail, for most of the poor creatures are ignorant of the rudiments of the trade to which they are trying to gain admittance. Mr. Norman Lee, who has had experience as a film- director has now come to the aid of these unfortunates with this admirably clear and practical book (Pitman, 7s. 6d.), which describes precisely what is wanted, from the story in its first draft to the finished scenario, and in what way it should be presented. A wider know- ledge of the cinema than can be gained by casual visits is of course necessary for anyone who is going in systematically for writing for the films, and Mr. Lee cannot supply the reader with the knowledge or intelligence to learn tech- nique as he watches the film. But for those who are prepared to take some trouble, this is the perfect guide.
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