MOTION PICTURES.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17133, 21 June 1927, Page 10

MOTION PICTURES.

IMPROVING THE STANDARD WHAT IS BEING DONE. ft The secretary of the Films Exchanges Association of New Zealand, replying to criticism that is being levelled at pictures and the picture industry pointed out that a genuine endeavour is being made by leading producers to produce better pictures. He writes: —A year or two ago the leading producers find distributors joined hands co-operatively to improve motion picture standards, to promote public understanding and goodwill, and to prevent those things within the industry which might be harmful. They pledged themselves to establish and maintain the highest possible moral and artistic standards in motion picture productions, and to develop the educational as well as the entertainment value. To those who have seen such pictures as “The Ten Commandments,” “The Only Way,” “The Volga Boatman,” “The White Sister,” “Ypres,” “Michael Strogoff,” “Stella Dallas," “Zeebrugge,” “If Winter Comes,” and others, the success of the co-operative movement is evident. Books and plays arc the prolific sources of picture material, but the prevalent type is not the prevalent type of motion picture. Since 1924 over 100 objectionable books and plays have been rejected, and steps have been taken to sec that nothing in pictures shall be presented which may create disrespect for law, and also to prevent misleading titles and salacious ' advertising. Movies and the Child. The discussion of pictures generally is based upon their influence upon the youth. This is a serious and difficult problem in which all thoughtful people are justly concerned. It should be approached from the basis that the motion picture is primarily a source of entertainment for the adult mind, and if wc have any drama at all there must be certain phases of life presented in pictures which perhaps the child should not see. And too, if all pictures were made for children’s minds the grown-ups would not attend picture shows. Furthermore there are many responsible leaders of thought who do not share this apprehension over picture influence upon the youth. The parents must surely have the same responsibility to supervise: the pictures their children sec as the books they read. Bible and Clergy. Some of the notable successes in motion pictures have been taken from the Bible. Although perhaps not generally known, producers are, in order to more correctly portray these subjects and to avoid offence, availing themselves of the co-operation of reliable authorities on such topics. For nearly a year the producer of “The King of Kings,” which is based on the life of Christ, has had the advice and counsel of a religious advisory board, composed of 29 representatives of Protestant sects, Catholic, Jew, Buddhist, and Mohammedan. Before producing ‘The Scarlet Letter,” from Hawthorne’s classic, the producer was aided by the advice of a committee of clergymen because of the situation involved. Representatives of the Catholic Church advised in the production of “The White Sister,” and “Romola,” both having Catholic settings. It will therefore he seen that producers of pictures are always seeking correct portrayals and to avoid giving olTence. Those who make statements to the contrary arc either prejudiced or misinformed. Additional Activities. As the outcome of the study between educators and the motion picture interests, pedagogic films will be produced by several motion picture companies and will include films of a religious nature. Films to be used for the teaching of medicine and surgery, will also be made, a special committee of noted surgeons having already been appointed to decide just what is neeifc ed. The motion picture industry has offered full co-opcration in developing this important work, and with the development of the slow motion picture and the microscopic camera much good work will be attained.

Those people who write to the papers making general statements about motion pictures must realise that picture values cannot be measured by Individual yard-sticks. Openly condemning a particular picture only serves to advertise and popularise such a picture with certain classes. Reasonable criticism, if specific, is always welcome.

Motion pictures rank with speech and press as a means of expression into which human thought and inspiration enter. Their messages convey different meanings and stir different impulses according to each individual make-up. Their service in public enlightenment, progress and enjoyment is best promoted by the maximum degree of freedom.