PICTURE CENSORSHIP

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3037, 26 March 1917, Page 6

PICTURE CENSORSHIP

Sir, —It is some', considerable time now since a censor was appointed to rectify ami deal with the film business, and it is a common occurrence to read in the daily papers complaints about this censoring. It is evident that the present method is not a successful one; so, therefore, let the Government appoint a properly constituted board of, say three persons, or more, as provided for in the Kinematograph and then I thinE tie people of New Zealand will get what they want. In Australia a board ■is advocated, for, which is a wise plan—as the present censor, is doing his best to please, everyone, it is a matter of impossibility for a one-man idea to suit all classes, and'do the work to the satisfaction of the public and the showman at the same time;—l am, etc., ■. -CRITIC.

Sir,—The letter from your correspondent "Light" in to-day's Dominion revives a subject'which has been , fitfully' discussed ever since the appointment of the film censor. There seems to be a general concensus of opinionthat the gentleman who holds that important office is, to say the least of it, extremely generous, and forbearing towards the various film proprietaries. Now, ■ Sir, I hold very strong opinions on this point, and I am prepared to Bubmit convincing proofs. " I myself amemployed in the picture-show business,, and, unfortunately, am compelled- day after day to watch the unmitigated drivel which passes for entertainment in this city, consequently I know what I am writing about, and any contradiction is futile. I can mention dozens of pictures containing objectionable incidents, in some cases even obscene, which have been shown in Wellington during recent weeks. The censor's excuse tbat these suggestive situations are harmless, , because unintelligible to children, is no reason for retailing obscenity. If anyone doubts the actually obscene incidents, let me give one instance. There was lately exhibited here a picture entitled "The Captive, God," in which one scene depicted a barbarian seizing a girl, carrying her 06 to the woods [a description here follows which the writer claims to justify his contention]. I challenge- Mr. Joliffe to show . any justification for the retention of this section of film, the cutting of which would not in any degreo luive affected the continuity of the narrative. As to the effect on the audience of this kind of thing there is no doubt whatever in iny mind. I see them all day andTevcry day; and I assert again that the crowd will go where £ue most suggestive pictures are shown. Failing strict censorship, it is quite time that legislation were introduced to bann absolutely certain classes of productions. . ■ . . t • Ifc.ia .unfortuMiets iW&ibM Kg:^

dependent for picture supplies almort entirely upon America at the present' time; but my'contention is'that, even so, there are enougli artistic productions in the States to provide amplehealthy recreation and amusement is. this country.—l am, etc., ■. .■• . LYNX NO. I.

• Sir, —I read, with interest and approval "Light's" letter in your issue of the 21st instant regarding the censorahip of films, etc. Surely we men and women of Wellington are not going to oalmly sit still and sea the future of nur children jeopardised by the exposure of films, and the advertisinji matter in connection with films, which any decent-minded adult should besitVte to look at. Are we going to remain silent and allow people to make money at the expense of our children's morals? '- '■■■•.

Why should piottrre theatres be allowed to expose on their premises. and elsewhere advertising matter' suggesting that tho pictures Being, shown aia of a "doubtful" nature, even when very often tiie jnctures Toferred to' contain nothing objectionable? I noticed that there was a decided improvement in pictures immediately after, a. censor was appointed, but of .late- there seems to be a. strong tendency td pass films .containing the broadest suggestions of immorality. lam inclined to think th'at a male censor may gradually get his finer feelings blunted, especially aftar examining thousands of feet of film, very often of an objectionable nature/and I think that the. time las ai'rived when the Government, should be called upon to appoint at .least' one other censor —a female one. ..'■' If we had some married lady of .culture,as joint censor, I feel confident that tho whole;, tone of picture, theatres would be raised.' 93ie duties of the censors should most certauJy Include that of censoring all advertising matter . in connection with picture theatres and plays. • This town has already < been placarded with posters which, in my opinion, were a disgrace 'to the cohn munity, and I understand that one poster in particular, shown, broadcast here in Wellington, lvas not allowed to be exposed in Sydney.; There is nothing more important than the moral training and outlook of a ly, then, we are noi> going to sit still and let people, injure our children for profit. ■-. That is exactly what low-class films and advertising matter do—injure flur children for profit*—l.am, etc.,A MARRIED MAN.