FILMS FOR CHILDREN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 19, 23 January 1937, Page 18

FILMS FOR CHILDREN

Interesting mention is made ih the National Council News of what is termed "partial advances" towards what is required in films for children. A workable system is aimed at in England to cover the whole problem of attendances of children at pictures, and a number of efforts have been made throughout the country to provide a fuller supply of attractive films, with more facilities for special performances at times convenient to the exhibitor and the young audiences, also at a price within reach of the children.

Exhibitors, teachers, and voluntary societies have considered this difficult question, but the performances arranged have not, so far, been regarded by the trade as a commercial proposition. The matinees, through members of the teaching profession or interested voluntary organisations, are, as a rule, helped financially in some ways. The Public Morality Council and the Cinema Christian Council held a joint conference on the subject of children's entertainments. Several headmasters and social workers described successful results obtained, and there are a large number of towns in the northern counties of England where selected programmes of films for children are now being provided by one or two cinema companies. On November 20 a conference on a large scale was held by the British Film Institute. Representatives attended from 95 organisations—educational, religious, social; also organisations connected with the cinema trade. Mr. S. Harris, of the Home Office, gave a helpful address. An afternoon was given to the trade, members of which recounted the attempts they had made to cope with the question. The discussions showed the keen and real interest taken by all present in the subjects brought forward, and on the following morning the conference met at the Metropole Cinema, Victoria, to view a matinee, which was attended by over 1000 children. A second conference under the auspices of the Public Morality and the Cinema Christian Councils will be held on February 19. The report states that it is probable that before that date some constructive policy will be in progress on a wider scale than has hitherto been attempted. COLOUR PROGRESS The colour "code" issued recently by the British Colour Council for guidance of firms displaying bunting during Coronation week next May is certain to inspire new vividness of colouring in women's day dresses, states a London writer. Colours in this "code" have delightful names. There are "Stewart Blue," "Garter Blue," "Silver Grey," "Signal Red," and "Larkspur." The council points out that white is generally used in heraldry to represent silver when the actual metal is not used. For this year's celebrations, however, they recommend the use of "Silver Grey," a new aluminiumlike colour which, at a distance, looks remarkably like silver. They say it will give a better effect in groups of bunting—and, therefore, in dress colours.