Behind the Scenes

What took place behind the scenes during exhibitions of the "Photo-Drama"?  "The  Drama started with a movie of Brother Russell,"  said Bible Student Alice Hoffman.  "As he would appear on the screen and his lips began to move, a phonograph would be started . . .and we would enjoy listening to his voice."

Alluding to time-lapse photography, Zola Hoffman recalled:  "I sat there in open-eyed amazement as we watched the portrayal of the days of creation.  There were  lilies there just gradually unfolding before our very eyes."  

Music lover Karl F. Klein of the Governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses adds:  "At the same time that these pictures were being shown, there was an accompaniment of very fine music, such as gems Narcissus and Humoreske."

There were also other memorable incidents.  Sometimes humorous mishaps would take place,"recalled Clayton J. Woodworth Jr.  "On one occasion the record  was playing 'Flee as a Bird to Your Mountain,'  and on the screen came the picture of a huge gigantosaurus, a pre-Flood animal of great size"!

Besides the regular "Photo-Drama of Creation,"  there soon were "Eureka Drama" sets.  One was made up of the recorded lectures, as well as musical recordings.  The other consisted of both the records and the slides.  Though the "Eureka Drama" lacked motion pictures, it was very successful when shown in less densely populated areas.

Next time: A Powerful Witnessing Tool

The Watchtower, 2001