FILMS IN CHURCHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21326, 29 October 1932, Page 11 (Supplement)

FILMS IN CHURCHES

SUGGESTION FROM LIVERPOOL SPECIAL DEVOTIONAL ACTORS Films instead of sermons in churches throughout England is the scheme which the Bishop of Liverpool, Dr. David, and Lord Derby, together with representatives of the film industry will be invited to inaugurate if plans being made in Liverpool are successful. The Rev. Reginald Plant, Rector of Newchurch, Culcheth, near Warrington, has just returned from London, where he has been negotiating with film producers. His plan would start a new profession of devotional actors, drawn frcm the clergy of the country, for the production of English religious talking films He is trying to arrange for the selection of eminent divines and preachers with the best talkies voices to " register " film versions of Biblical stories, commentaries on the stories or passages from the preaching of Christ. " It is not a stunt, but a genuine effort to make use of the most modern methods of instruction for religious purposes," Mr. Plant, said recently. " For instance, I should have an electric switch which would cause a screen to fall, and at the same time give a signal to a film operator concealed in the belfry to set in motion a talking film. " I should then simply announce, ' I am now taking you over to the scene of the Biblical story to see and hear it for yourselves,' and the usual talk from the pulpit would have its place taken by something much more impressive and valuable. "I am sure of the support of the Bishop, who, I think, believes with me that the Church should adopt modern equipment for the teaching and practice of religion, and I am also sure of the support of Lord Derby, as patron of the living."