AMERICAN METHODS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 101, 31 March 1937, Page 9

AMERICAN METHODS.

BORROWING IN BRITAIN. STIFLING NATIVE GENIUS. “We are borrowing architecture and other features of national lilo ftom Germany, and film and newspaper methods from America. Let us give ourselves a chance,” said Mr Beverley Baxter, Conservative member of Parliament for the Wood Green division of Middlesex.

Mr Baxter was referring to remarks about combating Americanisation which he made when lie was recently appointed editorial adviser to the group of 24 London and provincial newspapers controlled by Lord Kemsley, formerly Sir Janies Berry. “Americanisation,” Mr Baxter said, “is perhaps a symptom rather than a disease. There is a great advantage in adopting and adapting ideas ancl intentions from overseas, but mere unthinking imitation tends to overwhelm ancl stifle the creative genius of the British race. “I travelled in the Queen Mary on her maiden trip, when wo received a United States broadcast ancl gave a return programme. Of what did it consist? Mostly jazz tunes echoing the Americans. “In British film-making there is emulation of the quickness and slickness of Hollywood, which is utterly discordant with the temper and tempo of British genius.”