CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1930, Page 15

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

SUITABILITY FOR .CHILDREN. RESPONSIBILITY ON PARENTS. . The censorship of cinematograph films Is referred to in the annual report of the Department of Internal Affairs, tabled in the Bouse of Representatives on Friday. During the year ended March 31, 2626 films of a total length of 6,474,990 feet were examined. Of that number 102 were rejected in the first instance. 274 were passed subject to excisions and 167 were passed with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. Eleven appeals were lodged against the censor’s decisions. In two cases the censor s decisions were reversed and the Ulins were released with recommendations that they were more suitable for adult audiences. In the other nine cases the censor’s decisions were upheld. Of the total long films, 58, representing 402,000 ieet, were of British origin and 586, represen-ting 4,116,600 feet, were of foreign origin. The respective figures for short non-quota films were:—British, 454, or 380,000 feet; foreign, 1528, or 1,576,390 feet.

“The ychr under review,” says the report, “has seen the introduction of sound synchronised with the moving pictures, which has created many new problems for those engaged in the film industry. The work of the censor is more exacting. Any alteration or amendment is most difficult, and, in some cases, impossible. When amendment is impossible the censor has to decide whether an offending portion is sufficiently objectionable to justify the total rejection of what may otherwise be a good production. “The regulations state that where a film is recommended as being more suitl able for adult audiences that fact must be advised to the public in every newspaper adveitisemcnt relating to the film. Unfortunately, a slackness in the observance of this regulation forced the department to Like action against an exhibitor. A conviction was obtained and it is hoped that the regulations regarding this matter will be fully complied witn ra future by all exhibitors. “Tho pictures of to-day frequently deal with present-day problems and the more vivid presentation of life made possible by the addition of sound and colour has made it necessary to isspe an increased number of certificates recommending films as being more suitable for adult' audiences. It would not be proper to attempt to curtail cinema en-. tertaimnent to tho mental level of minors, and parents and guardians must accept tlie responsibility, which is a real one, of selecting the class of entertainment that their children may be permitted to attend/’ ,j ••