FILM CENSORSHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21743, 7 March 1934, Page 13

FILM CENSORSHIP

Sir, —The effort thai; is being made by the heads of the secondary schools of Auckland to ensure a wiser censorship of films is being watched with interest by a great many people—by many more, in fact, than the somewhat desultory correspondence in the press would indicate. There are thousands of parents who have complete confidence in the men and women presiding over the schools that their children attend. These are only too glad to see this move made in the interests of youth. They realise the pernicious influence on the character of the young of much in the film of to-day—it may be only a touch in a picture that has somehow evaded the censor. They realise, too, their own helplessness to combat what is presented in so attractive a form, often in juxtaposition to what is undeniably profitable. Such parents are unanimous in wishing success to the Auckland headmasters. During the last 40 years or so the idea has been gaining ground that a knowledge of the laws of nature, a knowledge of the beginning of the human life story, if wisely and beautifully told to children, would safeguard them in their after life, and might, in time, influence the standard of morality of a nation. Those interested in spreading the idea have felt they were doing something to forward God's great work of evolution, whereby mankind is being raised to an ever higher plane above the purely animal creation. The treatment of the sex problem in the film is often in direct opposition to this aim. To s<3e the subject touched coarsely and flippantly gives a painful jar to the woman who stands for the finer outlook. Some will not go to a picture till an advocate, it may he a daughter, who plays the part of censor, says: "Even mother would enjoy this one." Here I would add that the increasing number of good British films is making the visits of such women more frequent. The little stir on the film question here is a reflection of what is happening in a bigger world; if, through indifference or> self-interest, the effort should be thwarted, there is a danger that a forward move will be arrested and the day still further postponed when New Zealand audiences can go to the cinema for the refreshment they need and not fear to come away disappointed. B.E.G.