FILMS FROM EUROPE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29753, 21 February 1962, Page 12

FILMS FROM EUROPE

City's Reaction ‘Disappointing’

“Over a period of many yeans. Kerridge Odeon has imported and acquired foreign films for release through our circuits These films have been exhibited in Christchurch, but generally speaking, the public reaction has been extremely disappointing and the screenings have in many instances been economically unjustified.” said the managing director of Kerridge Odeon (Mr R J. Kerridge). in reply to a correspondent to “The Press " who writes about the lack of Continental films shown in Christchurch

The correspondent, who signed himself “Critic.” wrote on February 12: “T would be very interested to hear any reasons given by the managers of Kerridge-Odeon or Amalgamated Theatres, for the fact that not one of at least three Ingmar Bergman films seen in the North Island has been shown here. The films I refer to are ‘Wild Strawberries,’ ‘The Seventh Seal,’ and one other. In Christchurch we get few Continental films 'Hiroshima. Mon Amour.’ 'La Dolce Vita.’ and ‘Ballad of a Soldier.’ the only ones seen in about 18 months, each being screened for an inadequate week. I see that three more are due to be released this year. ‘The Magician,’ ‘The Virgin Spring’ and another. Are we to be allowed to see these, or must we in Christchurch be kept away from the cinemas by the constant screening of inane, though sometimes entertaining, British and American comedies? Ingmar Bergman is only one of the many fine foreign directors, many more of whose films I, for one, would like to see here.” Festival in City Mr Kerridge said in his reply: “We have continued with the policy of screening selected Continental products in the hope that public appreciation of foreign productions would develop It so happens that a festival of foreign films has been arranged in the Majestic Theatre. Christchurch, for a period of three weeks commencing in February when, among other foreign films, two of the Bergman films will be screened. They will be ‘Smiles of a Summer Night' and ‘Wild Strawberries.’

“We have purchased ‘The Magician' and ‘The Virgin Spring’ and are awaiting arrival of the prints from overseas. It is hoped that our experiment in presenting these films will be supported by the public so that we will be encouraged to extend the screening of Continental pictures.

“Incidentally, your correspondent mentions four films as being the only Continental films screened in about 18 months. This is incorrect—there were at least 15 foreign films screened during this period," Mr Kerridge adds.

Going On.— Mr G. Holibar. aged 87, who is attempting to walk to Wellington from Auckland, reached Pokeno. 33J miles on his way. yesterday afternoon before giving in to a blistered heel. He intends to continue.—(PA.)