The Guardian. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8th, 1921. THE FILM CENSORSHIP.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1921, Page 2

The Guardian. TUESDAY FEBRUARY Bth, 1921. THE FILM CENSORSHIP.

Tiik Government is acting betimes in regard to a tightening up of the film censorship. Of late years the censorship has hardly been in keeping with what the bulk of the picture-goers like —a good clean healthy picture, well staged and acted. There are many of these in vogue, and on their appearance they are bailed with delight. But in between are many trashy picturestrashy alike in subject and production. Among this category is the long drawn out serial which is not complete without a succession of battle and murder. Very few serials have the saving grace of humor. The protest against the class of American picture which have Ix’cn in vogue as a result of the war period, has at last boon influential enough to cause authoritative action. At last the degree of censorship is to be tightened, and it will he all for the lxcst. At the first announcement of the new order of tilings, there was the fear that the Minister had gone too far, and was going to the other extreme, but the fuller explanation he has given indicates he lias quite the right ideas, and is acting on sane lines. Chief of all it will la' hailed as satisfactory that a Board of Appeal is being set up to settle any points of differences over the censorship. This is a wise method of settling disputes, huf best oi all it will he a compelling leaven to sweeten the censorship itself. The personnel of the Board as far ns announced is very satisfactory, and will result in greater confidence being reposed in the tensorship As a result of the reform now to be introduced we look forward to a steady process of evolution whereby tln> scope for picturedom will take a more useful purpose. It v.ill lead undoubtedly to a better standard of picture, with a sweeter and cleaner story. We fiope to see more of British films introduced, level,oping stories which depend on quiet, human acting rather than sensational anil violent situations for their popularity. The Minister will •do the acting profession a service in that respect by calling more and more upon real art tor genuine enteitainment. This will be more elevating for the public mind. Nowadays it is rot unusual to hear of the baneful results certain pictures have on the minds of some people, and particularly youths. It is a serious matter to have the minds of young, people sadly warped in then early days, for impressions remain all through life. The cinematograph has a great future before it, and like everything else it can have its harmful effects. It is therefore necessary to con-trol-and direct its uses, and this action is just as necessary with regard to picture shows, as with the drink question or the gambling habit. Control under a. restricted licensg is necessary and essential for the well being of a community, and the Government action in this master is not being taken a moment too soon. The public at large will, we feel sure, welcome the restrictions to he enforced with are essentially for the public weal as against private profit. The days of the cheap and nasty picture in New Zealand are limited and from every point of view this final determination is something to lie thankful for.