The Passing Show,

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18229, 17 January 1931, Page 11 (Supplement)

The Passing Show,

THE censor recently had sometningto say concerning the censorship of films in New Zealand. Referring to a statement by the British censor that there had been an increase in the number of films in which the : development of the theme required a succession of grossly brutal and sordid scenes, he said there certainly had been a tendency in that direction. The sound added to the effect, but such films had been watched pretty closely in New Zealand. He added that the general public did not know what they had been protected from. They were inclined to grumble at him, but they were spared a good deal. *' * * * # It seems to “ Free Lance ” that the film censorship is hardly on right lines. . He recognises the need to keep the films within the bounds of decency, and anything sordid or degrading should certainly be cut out. What the censor does in this direction is deserving of praise. But the things he allows to pass sometimes make one wonder at the official mind. For instance, in Hamilton recently there was screened a film, in which one scene showed a native being killed by a lion; the look of horror on the poor fellow’s face was ghastly. At another theatre there was a Gazette in which one saw the fatal accident wherein Sir Henry Segrave lost his life; one saw his body being grabbed and bundled over the side of the boat, while his wife rushed to him. Such pandering to the morbid mind certainly calls for the censor’s shears much more so than the over-display of the human body, or a sophisticated scene which, though perhaps not suitauTe for children, is thoroughly artistic in that it depicts a certain aspect of life." „ * * » * A direction, too, in which the censor might well become active is in stopping the flow of American “comedians” and “comediennes” who, first regarded as cute, soon became boring, and now irritate an audience almost beyond endurance. Recently mention ;W as made of the utter imbecility of some of. the songs rendered by these people, and the lack of connection between the words and the weird bodywriggling of the performers. Now they have gone a step further, for many of them cut out the words altogether, and, without a sign of music in their voices, wriggle. hysterically and “sing” something about “oopity-oopity-oop.” Could banality and imbecility go further? If that is the sort of thing that appeals to an American audience —and it Evidently does, for most of the offenders are the “vocal” soloists with popular jazz bands at well-known New York and other resorts —then it’s a sad commentary on the mentality of the Americans. ’Talkies are an excellent foim of entertainment, and many American films are ail that they should be, artistically and from an entertainment point of view; but these wriggling comedians are the last word in futility, and their disappearance would be welcomed. « «. • ■ * • That the vast American public seems to be developing the child mind, with 'its love for jingles and simple pictures, is also indicated by an extract from a letter received by "Free Lance" this -week from a friend in New York. After paying a much-

Comment and Criticism.

(By “Free Lance.")

appreciated compliment to the Waikato Times, a copy of which I had sent him, he said: —<“American journalism is much more flambuoyant. Our news is on page one, in big screamers. All in all, the papers here are built for the hurry-up busyman, where he can skim all he wants from page one and be through. But most Americans read the back pages first (that’s where the “funnies” are), and then go through the paper in Chinese fashion. Cartooning in this country is becoming a national menace. They mainly deal with connected stories, with humanised characters in them, and very little humour. Ope cartoon,' “The Gumps,” is so popular that people discuss them as if they are living creatures! Hardly an election goes by but what Andy Gump polls a few votes in one State or the other. I fear such things reflect a little on our politics as well as on our mentality.” & & # v * Several irate correspondents ha w e written this week concerning the inc msi.jerate conduct of passengers on trains. “ Free lance” says “Amen” to their'-complaints with a good deal of feeling, for he too has suffered from the fresh a:r fiend, the person who leaves doors open or wiio slams them repeatedly when other peopie arc .eying to sleep, the lone individual who insists on having a light by which to read when everyone else is endeavouring to doze, the lady who enters a -smoking carriage and then glares at the poor man contentedly puffing away at his pipe, and all the other pests one meets when travelling. “ Free Lance " gives way to no one in his appreciation of fresh air, but he confesses that he feels murderous when someone gets in at a wayside station in the middle of the night, makes a clatter that awakens everyone, and with a “ How stuffy it is.here!” opens every window within reach. He feels equally an- , noyed when a person passes backwards and forwards scores of times —and leaves the door open at each passing. _ Why do people do these things? Usually it denotes an inexperienced traveller; people who are used to moving round -have learned to be considerate of the comfort of others. Rail" way pests are very trying! V s # * The announcement that the Waikato Regimental and Hamilton Municipal Band has found it necessary, owing to lack of funds, to cancel its entry for the Band Contest to be held at Wellington next month, is a matter for regret—and, incidentally, is a reflection on the town and district. 'Times may be hard, but, with the co-operation of the bandsmen, it should have been possible to raise the amount necessary to give the band an opportunity not -only of competing at am important fixture, but of gaining the education and inspiration which can only be secured ! by hearing other bands and comparing their work with other performances. Is it too late to do something in the matter? The bandsmen deserve well of the public. ’They may inot be in the championship -class, but they have done good work during the year, and have provided many bright hours at the hospital, on Ferry Bank, in the streets, and at various sports functions. Their attendance at the Band Contest would be an encouragement, an education, and an inspiration to them, and would result in better ! performances in the future. It is “Yip to” the townspeople to help' them to gain th# experience.