THE FILM INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19512, 16 December 1926, Page 10

THE FILM INDUSTRY.

VISIT OF MR. FREEMAN. Reference to the growth of the film industry in recent years was made at a luncheon given at the Grand Hotel yesterday in honour of the visit of Mr. N. Bernard Freeman, managing director n Australia and New Zealand of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Limited. There was a, large attendance of persons interested in the film trade. The value of the screen in furthering education and broadening an outlook on life was touched upon by the Hon. George Fowlds, who presided. He said that as time went on its value in these directions would increase. All British people were keen to see the progress of the British film industry. The Rev. Stanley Morrison said the time would come when the film and the church would be closer together than they were to-day. It seemed a pity that at times there were certain types of film that did not commend themselves to the church, but he realised they had to cater for their audiences. The progress of the film industry was traced by Mr. Henry Hay ward, who also referred "to the enormous capital of the company represented by Mr. Freeman. In reply, Mr. Freeman said the screen provided entertainment for both rich and poor at equal cost. Referring to British films, he said he hoped shortly to make some important announcements regarding negotiations for certain films in England