FILMS FOR JUVENILES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20454, 4 January 1930, Page 11

FILMS FOR JUVENILES.

A ".TALKIE PROBLEM,.

NEW SCHEME LAUNCHED.

OPERATION IN AUCKLAND.

As a result of conferences between the Film Society and leading exhibitors, a new scheme of special weekly performances for young folk has been framed to suit the changed conditions brought about by the advent of talking pictures. Some months ago, through the good offices of Her Excellency Lady Alice Jergusson, special screenings for children were arranged for in the principal metropolitan centres, but owing to the advent of talking fiims and the consequent upheaval in the picture world, the scheme had to be temporarily abandoned. However, now that the first difficulties of the talkies have been surmounted, the heads of the large exhibiting companies have been able to give time and thought to a more far-reaching scheme than the original one. Mcssis. Henry Hayward, T. A. O'Brien, and Beaumont Smith, directors of the Fuller-Hay ward, T. A. O'Brien and Williamson Film organisations, now see prospects of carrying into effect a scheme that would embody Her Excellency's ideas as nearly as possible. It is expected that the New Zealand representatives of Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller will also see their way to join. One difficulty presenting itself has been that the amount of film suitable for small children produced at the present time is almost infinitesimal, but there are many fine films that would be most attractive to older children, between, say, the ages of 10 and 16. It is these that the organisation now has in view.

The heads of the companies have decided to co-operate with the Film. Society in arranging a weekly early evening session, to be advertised as a "special screening" for younger people. These screenings will be arranged in the different theatres in Queen Street in rotation, or as each company can arrange with the others when there is a specially suitable picture to show. At a later time, and as likely film is procurable, the companies propose to arrange matinees also, and eventually parents may hope that the original scheme sponsored by Her Excellency will be brought into effect. The Governor-General and Lady Alice Fergusson, when the details of the arrangement made by the companies taking part were communicated to them yesterday as practically complete, expressed their pleasure in knowing that the scheme would be actually in operation before their departure from New Zealand.