THE FILM CENSORSHIP.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17062, 5 February 1921, Page 9

THE FILM CENSORSHIP.

TO THE EDITOE OP "THE PBESS." Sir, —I "think there is a certain amount of' misapprehension regarding tho Minister's notification to cinema agencies to the effect that no film or thereof in which thieving, murder, robbery, or suicido is made a feature, mil be passed for circulation. Tho Censor, Mr Joliffe, is a man of common sense, who takes a reasonable, and even broa-dniinded, view of his duty, and it is absurd to supuos© that ho will prevent the exhibition of ''Oliver Twist," "Romeo and Juliet," "Faust," or any other classic, or that the Minister intends for one moment that his notification shall bo misapplied in this ridiculous fashion. It is very well known that a number of films, principally American, make a feature of scenes 'of violence, and in some cases of actual enmo, and that these films, as a matter of actual experience, havo had a deleterious effect. Many cases have occurred in which lads of a naturally adventurous and imitative disposition have attempted to carry out some of the exploits invested with an air of enterprise and romance on the screen, with the result that they have found themselves within the grasp of the criminal law. It is not without reason that our magistrates, in admitting Voting offenders to probation, make it a condition that they shall not attend picture shows during the period of grace given to them to make a fresh start in life. T think it may bo taken for granted that tho pictures" which tho Censor will bar, will be such as have been found actually injurious and demoralising in practical experience, and I am sure tho majority of our judges and magistrates will cordially approve of this courso being taken. Properly used, the .picture theatre, in addition to furnishing a delightful form of entertainment, might exert a most beneficial influence in educating tho people, and raising the standard of publio taste not only m the 1 matter of j art, but even of ethics. Will anybody seriously contend that it is fulfilling its mission in this respect? The majority of tho audiences are composed of young persons of both sexes, imperfectly educated, who have had very little in the shape of moral training. They are much more likely to bo impressed with what they see, than with what theyj read. Wnether they .know it or not, their education is being continued, and their character is being affected, by tho pictures they see. Surely there is a grave responsibility on tlie Government, and on all leaders of public opinion, to lessen as much as possible the amount of education of the wrong kind imparted through the medium of this powerful agency. j I gladly admit that the picture theatres discharge an important function in providing relaxation to a large section who need occasional relief from the cares and worries of everyday life. Wonderful skill and ingenuity are-dis-played in their production, and often pictures of great beauty are shown. But I think there is no doubt that the standard from tho point of view of good taste is declining. There is a growing tendency to pander to the sensational, and undue prominence* is given to the sex instinet. Running through most of the foreign films we find a sham and unwholesome sentimentality, and curiously inverted,, hot to say perverted ideas of morality and chivalry, far removed from the "good old English ideals. Is it any wonder that some people begin to ask themselves whether this maxvellous invention has not, on the Whole, done more harm than good to the community? I hope the public will support the ■Government, and the Censor, in any honest attempt they may make to eliminate the most objectionable features from the pictures, and to raise the general standard. I hope, also that those managers who endeavour to cater for a more refined taste, will meet with the support they deserve. There Are many people wlio now stay away from the picture theatres on principles. It : s especially their duty to support a really good programme when one is presented. —Yours, etc., W. H. TRIGGS.