FILM CENSORSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 21722, 17 May 1934, Page 2

FILM CENSORSHIP

PRESENT SYSTEM BEST CLEAN PICTURES ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL [Special to tke ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, Afay 16. The parliamentary committee which investigated the motion picture industry gave attention to the subject of film and poster censorship, and came to the conclusion that no change should be recommended. “ The committee is of opinion.” states its report, “ that the censorship of ffilms is at present carried out in a very satisfactory manner. As a matter of interest it is noted that the evidence given by exhibitors shows that as a general rule the pictures which have the best box office results are those of a clean and wholesome typo.” The substance of lengthy evidence submitted in favour of greater control over films was, according to the repox-t, that many films at present approved should- have been either rejected or amended. The suggestion was made that the Appeal Board, to which the present complaints were largely duo, should be reconstituted with a stipendiary magistrate as chairman, and two members consisting of an educationist of experience and one other person nominated by the Chief Justice. “ After hearing the evidence from the censor of films and considering statements and reports of inquiries into the effect of films on' juveniles, prepared in England, the committee is of opinion that the representations have been made without due appreciation of the difficulties of censorship. The committee is of opinion that censorship by a single censor, as in New Zealand, is preferable to the operation of a censorship board. It is noted that under the arrangement at present existing there is_ an assistant censor in constant touch with this - work, this officer acting on one day per week as responsible censor, and on a second day as associate. This ensures continuity of policy. The censor indicates in his certificate the type of picture;—whether suitable for adult audiences only or for universal exhibition—and the regulations require the exhibitor to publish the nature of the certificate in every newspaper advertisement. The question then becomes one of parental control.” Reporting on the censorship of posters, the committee states that it was Shown samples of posters and Press advertising matter which had been rejected by the censor, and is satisfied that this section of the work has also been satisfactorily carried out. With respect to the Censorship Appeal Board, the committee does not propose to make any recommendation as to the constitution of the board, but is of opinion that the appointment of members should be made for a definite period only, so that the question of personnel will automatically come up for review from time to time.