THE MEANS OF THE VARIOUS ARTS We have sought the aim which underlies all artistic creation and were led in this search to paths which seem far away from our special problem, the art of the photoplay.

Yet we have steadily come nearer to it.

We had to go the longer way because there can be no other method to reach a decision concerning the esthetic value and significance of the photoplay.

We must clearly see what art in general aims at if we want to recognize the relative standing of the film art and the art of the theater.

If we superficially accept the popular idea that the value of the photoplay is to be measured by the nearness with which it approaches the standards of the real theater and that the task of the theater is to imitate life as closely as possible, the esthetic condemnation of the photoplay is necessary.