The Fine Arts Theatre this week saves the price of both a Baedeker and a billet from Thomas Cook & Son if you're interested in a trip through a part of new Russia. "Soviets on Parade" opens with a ten minute review of industrial and agricultural Russia. It is interesting to see what Stalin's government is doing to commercialize and make scientifically minded a people whose past has been deeply rooted in the soil. One sees how an agrarian Russia has been pulled into a mighty vortex,--one whose ceaselessly grinding wheels make an American shudder and think how pleasant serfdom must have been for the Russians compared with this new system. Yet, in observing the expressions on these laborers' faces, one is led to believe they are perfectly happy and satisfied with their lot. Ten minutes seems much too short a time to witness what is happening in this unique economic revolution. Apparently the photographer thinks differently, for he transplants his camera to Moscow for the remainder of the picture.

And "Soviets on Parade" means Soviets on parade! Fifty minutes of Stalin's great Red infantry, cavalry, artillery, and sailors, as well as the latest of Russian military equipment pass in review. You can see what military methods are being taken to protect the Soviet social experiment. Occasional relief is given from this parading by intimate glimpses of satisfied citizen Joseph Stalin, exultant Minister Nikolai Kalenin, and efficient General Voroshiloff.

If you are interested in mob psychology, the scene of the mighty Red Army at attention, repeating the Soviet oath after General Voroshiloff, will leave a lingering impression. Also the views of Red Square and the Kremlin have their inescapable dramatic impressiveness for anyone who is not oblivious of the importance of what is going on in Moscow.

If you plan to spend an educational evening, "Soviets on Parade" should have it appeal. In addition to this film there are two short subjects, one on early Mexican life, and the other a simply corking "Silly Symphony."