“GRAVE MISTAKE”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16580, 22 February 1928, Page 7

“GRAVE MISTAKE”

CENSORSHIP OF “DAWN”

CONTROVERSY EXTENDED (Australian and N.Z Cable Association. LONDON, Feb. 21. The decision not to license the film ‘‘Dawn,” in ordinary circumstances would not prevent the exhibition of the film in theatres or balls, but the significance of such an unusual expression as “ inexpedient ’ ’ remains to be seen'. Mr. T. P. O’Connor refused last night to elucidate the position. Meanwhile, the distributors arc in an embarrassing situation. -They have already booked the film for dozens of cinemas throughout the country for a total of £30.000.

Miss Sybil Thorndike, portrayer of Nurse Caveil,.says: “1 think the censor made a very grave mistake. I am confident the public will reverse his judgment when the film is shown.” Mr. Wilcox, the producer, regards as Gilbertian the fact that the film entitled “Edith Cavell, Nurse and’ Martyr,” from the story by Edgar Wallace, made in 1919 with the approval of the War Office, was still being offered to the public under the certificate of the British Board of Censors. Ho intends to show “Dawn” within a few days to the whole British press. The Daily Express says: “Film censorship was established to protect the public from exhibitions which are degrading or which might debase the public. The censors, in this instance, have exceeded their prerogative and •assumed the function of Government control.’’