PICTURE SHOWS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 108, 7 May 1912, Page 3

PICTURE SHOWS.

to THE KMTOK. Sir,— Much has been written concerning the seleotion of productions at picture shows, and their effect on those attending and the consensus of tho opinions expressed demonstrates clearly that many of the subjects now being produced, their proportion tending to increase, have a distinctly pernicious influence upon the youthful mind, and of which some aro beyond the bounds of the most broadminded standard of decency. This wrong must be faced. The fact that the propriotors arrange thoir supply to suit the demand in order to ensure the best attendance) ,ia mattor for serious thought, for, as the percentage of objectionable pictures is on the increase, it is fair to infer that the pokon is being gradually and insidiously adminstered, producing a gradually blunted Bousitivenoss. There is no question, a picture show would be a power for good if no pains wo«j spared to secure only work of exceptional quality of high interest, and clean in tone. -There is an unlimited field of subject*. A few suggest themselves: scenery generally, places of intere&t, records of the world's great functions, of industries, harmless amusing incidents. lam sure a show on these lines, wholly interesting and entertaining, would be popular, and if one were run by the City Council it would pay, do much good,' and probably cause tho other shows to discard the ' sensational drama and melodrama, and worse. Also, it would pay the present shows to give at least one night a week to a performance of tho type indicated, whore mothor«, with impressionable youngsters, could attend, with the certainty of a perfectly enjoyable evening. 1 notice in The Post a few days Bince, an artisan wrote complaining that his class suffered under many disadvantages in the acquisition of the larger loaves and- fishes. I am quite sympathetic, and am sure he 'will agree that tho opportunities of his children would be improved if picture shows excluded all mattor tending to exert a pernicious influence, in favour of a really good class of entertainment, '6n a par with the municipal concerts, which it is very regrettable to learn are neglected apparently for mental drugging. Since writing the above, a sub-loader in your issue last night, referring to the proposal to produce real or faked pictures of criminals at their nefarious work, strongly emphasises the urgent necessity for very drastic measures either by legislation or by such expressed disapproval by the public as will enforce reform.— l am, etc., UP LEVELLER. 4th- May.