NURSE CAVELL FILM

Evening Star, Issue 19788, 11 February 1928, Page 11

NURSE CAVELL FILM

FOREIGN SECRETARY AGAINST PRODUCTION REVIVING BITTER MEMORIES (British Official News.) Press Association—By Wireless-Copyright. RUGBY, February 10. Much discussion has been aroused here by the cinematograph film entitled ‘Dawn,’ produced by the Dominions Film Company, which reconstructs tho story of Edith Cavcll. The film lias not yet been exhibited, nor has it yet passed tho Board of b ilm Censors. Tins board, ol which Mr 1. R. O’Connor is president, has no official status, but is an organisation voluntarily established by members of the film trade.

Although the (makers of the film contend that its underlying Ihcmo is against war and its horrors, and that there is nothing in the incidents portrayed that should give offence to any nation, the view is strongly hold in many quarters that its exhibition at present might revive bitter memories of war and retard the healing processes of time. The (ierman Embassy in London has made inquiries on the subject, and it has been explained that, apart from suppression by the Home Office on the score of immorality, the Government has no powers of censorship over films.

Although no official representations have been made to the Board ot Censors, it is, however, understood that Sir Austen Chamberlain felt so strongly about ibo character of the film, as described in the Press, that ho personally spoke to Mr O’Connor on the subject, and drew his attention to its nature. The Foreign views are expressed in a letter sent to Mr Wilcox, the producer of ‘ Dawn,’ in reply to an invitation to,,a 'private view of the film. After stating that ho feds obliged to decline tho invitation, Sir Austen Chamberlain says that the story of Nurse Cavoll is a, ’very noble one, and her memory will bo held in reverence not only by her countrymen, but by all, to whatever country they belong (whether friend or former enemy), who admire selfless devotion to duty and serene fortitude in tho hour of trial. Jt may bo -possible to present such a story pietorially without the loss of it.s beauty, and .without the danger ol controversy when the lapse of years has made it history; but, for himself, Sir Austen feds that it is more beautiful in his memory than any picture could make it. If accounts in the newspapers arc correct lie would bo oven less willing to attend the performance. He knows of no authority to justify certain incidents as presented in the film, and their representation can only provoke controversy over tho grave of a woman who has become one of the world’s heroines. Nurse Cavcll had no thought of lame or sell; but can one doubt what her feeling would have been if she bad thought such use was to be made of her sacrifice. 'There are war films which, whilst recalling the heroic deeds and endurance'of our own people, call forth no hitler feelings elsewhere, but servo only to unite all men in admiration of heroism and iortitude. But this film appears to be of entirely different character, and fie must frankly say ho feels the .strongest repugnance to its production.