NUDITY ON STAGE IN BRITAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 April 1949, Page 5

NUDITY ON STAGE IN BRITAIN

Lack Of Christian Morals Deplored (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright.) LONDON, April 29 (Recd. 12.50 am).—Many stage shows now touring England are salacious and harmful. Many “i-estoration comedies” are bawdy and decadent. Many English homes lack the Christian virtues of love, purity and fidelity. These are the conclusions of the Public Morality Council published in its annual report today. The council criticises "the disastrous toleration of nudity on the stage." It continues: “It is hard to see where any line can be drawn unless any exhibition of nudity be totally prohibited. Many salacious and most harmful productions are now touring the country excusing themselves on the grounds of art. “It is common knowledge that Continental production is to be imported in its entirety for the benefit of patrons of this type of alleged entertainment." After describing Restoration plays as bawdy, decadent and unfit for public presentation, the report declares: “It is lamentable that in days notable for religious indifference and slackness in morals, support from public funds should be forthcoming for plays which present religion as contemptible and sexual morality as absurd.” "On the Recline in moral standards” the report says “there are far too few Christian homes in this country and it is becoming increasingly clear that without the discipline and restraints of the Christian way of life and its positive and creative virtues of love, fidelity and purity, there is little hope or prospect of improvement."