Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1934. FILMS REPORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 May 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1934. FILMS REPORT.

’T’HE committee appointed to inquire into the conditions under which the films industry is condueled in New Zealand did its work promptly—in contrast with some other national inquiries.—and what is more, did it well, judging by the report presented. Whatever may be individual judgment on the terms of the recommendations, Mr. Page, S.M.. (chairman') and his colleagues are to be commended for the businesslike manner in which they carried out the task allotted to them. The films industry is of importance, huge sums are invested in it, and the manner in which it is conducted is of real public concern. It must be a very small township, nowadays, that has not its own picture-hall, proof that the films meet a real want. Were as much publicity devoted to the benefits that the pictures confer, as is given to the potential dangers, misunderstandings would bo minimised to a degree better for all concerned.

Much of the committee’s report had to do with the inner workings of the films industry, in which the public are not interested, except, for the effect these may have on admission prices and programmes. There will be much support for the proposed lowering of the minimum admission charges, although it may prove in practice that little difference from the present scales will result. It cannot be reasonably claimed that for a good programme admission charges have hitherto been high—indeed one reason for the popularity of pictures is the value given for the money—but all programmes arc not acclaimed as “good,” and the system is wrong which compels the same price to be 1 paid for the ontertaininont supplied. regardless of quality. Another wrong lhal needs redressing in the larger centres, is the system of lessening 1 ho rows of lhe cheaper 1 seats, and “reserving” these at a higher price. .More protection for 1 the poorer patrons is desirable. Lessening’ the powers of monopolies and films suppliers, and in-' creasing those of exhibitors and renters, will bo a policy most pic- ( lure-patrons will approve, and the lot of managers should be made easier by this greater freedom of. action. Whether New Zealand will

be able to do all it would like in

this direction remains to.be seen. The reassurance will be welcome that, building of new theatres will not he discouraged, as competition has a stimulating effect on enterprise. If too many theatres are erect,ed for the patronage available, the readjustment will be inevitable. Incidentally, those who believe that running a, picture show is a sure way of getting rich quick should study the report to the Committee iof the dwindling returns in late years. Regarding the censorship, the Committee was not convinced that much change in the present system lis necessary, an opinion that will 'be generally shared, especially 1 among those who attend the pictures fairly regularly. The fact is significant that the cleaner the entertainment the greater the boxoffice takings. This speaks volumes for the good taste of the patrons, and must speak louder than words to those running the theatres, whose main aim is, of course, commercial. The proposal to give exemption to Film Societies, from censorship supervision, is hedged by certain, restrictions and. these should be something more than nominal, otherwise dubious “societies” may be expected to arise. The art for art’s sake cry is not always sincere and disinterested.