MATINEE FILMS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 225, 20 June 1944, Page 3

MATINEE FILMS

Influence On Children

The harmful effect some films screened at matinees had on the minds of children was discussed bv a deputation which waited on the Minister oT Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, yesterday. The Minister said all steps practicable had been taken in the past to ensure that the public was fully advised of the types of pictures screened and that the certificates issued by the censor were brought to notice. It then became a matter for parental responsibility to ensure that children were not permitted to attend unsuitable pictures. There was no doubt that, the type of advertising of films complained of was objectionable, but it was regretted that at the present tiipe there was no authority under which action could be taken to rectify the position. The Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, and regulations under it did not require the censorship of exhibitors’ newspaper advertisements, though that was done with reference to posters and other advertising matter. In order to stop the practice of screening films recommended for adult audiences at matinee performances largely attended by children, Mr. Parry said, motion picture exhibitors had been asked to endeavour to show suitable films at these performances .or, if that was not possible*, to refrain from inducing children to attend by advertisement, or otherwise. At the same time, exhibitors had been warned that unless an improvement took place the Government would have no option but to consider the prevention of children from attending performances featuring undesirable pictures. That had resulted in a .very considerable improvement in the position, and though instances of non-compliance with the arrangement were still reported some of those instances were due to a shortage of films recommended for universal exhibition. That position would be gone into further.