No action against ‘Clockwork Orange’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32967, 13 July 1972, Page 1

No action against ‘Clockwork Orange’

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 12.

The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Highet) said today that he did not intend to take any action on the controversial film, “A Clockwork Orange,” in the meantime.

“My own opinion is that it shouldn’t go to appeal,” Mr Highet told a press conference after viewing the film today. He said that he was satis-

1 fied with the censor’s R2O , classification. “I think, perI sonally, he has done a very wise thing," he said. “The ‘ film is definitely anti-vio- . lence. “I would have to have a real scream from the public

now before referring it to appeal," he said. Mr Highet said the film censorship legislation was being very closely looked at and if any change were needed he would promote the legislation this year. This matter had not yet been considered by the Government. He said he thought it unwise that the public’s only avenue to appeal was through a politician.

However, legislative changes would never be wide enough to allow Patricia Bartlett or anyone else in her group to appeal against every film, Mr Highet said. “I would hope the public see this film and accept it for what it is—a very powerful film,” Mr Highet said. If people were squeamish, they should not go to the film; nor should people walk out after the first 20 minutes before the story unfolded, Mr Highet said. Mr Highet emphasised that no-one could possibly judge the film from the article in “Playboy” that Miss Bartlett had submitted. It did not give a balanced view of the film.

Mr Highet said that his viewing of “A Clockwork Orange” did not mean he would take this course of action every time he received complaints on a film. "Censorship should be kept right out of politics,” he said. “That’s why I am loath to see a film as I did today.”