Film Censorship.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1921, Page 4

Film Censorship.

“TIGHTENING UP” PROCESS. WELLINGTON, May f2. Within a few' weeks the Dominion film censor will begin to “tighten up” his scrutiny, in accordance with the instruction of the former Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, aiming at pictures having as their chief motive, murder, robbery and “crook” operations generally. Several months’ notice of this policy was given to the film importers so that their buyers and foreign agents could prepare for the change, and it is believed that- when the instruction comes fully into force, it will cause no serious earthquake in film circles. A factor making for improvement on the lines desired by the authorities is the increasing supply of English films, which in the main do not pay so much attentoin to the drama of-the underworld. It is quite on the cards that some - special encouragement will be given to British films by Parliament when it considers the tariff next session, for there has been an expression of feeling among members againgst the form of propaganda sometimes insinuated into films from the United States.

I Some months ago, a Film Censorship Appeal Board was set up, comprising representatives of the New Zealand women’s organisations, a woman lepresentative of the film suppliers, and the President of the New. Zealand Society of Arts. This Appeal Board recently j had a film referred to it on appeal

from the censor’s decision that it should be restricted from exhibition. It is of interest to discover that this hoard 'took a less severe view than the censor, and allowed the film to go'into circulation.