Helping Hand For J. B.

NZ Truth, Issue 1145, 10 November 1927, Page 6

Helping Hand For J. B.

THE British film industry is m a curious plight. It has never been so definitely courageous or so completely without encouragement. . The will to make films with' British ideals seemingly has never been greater. The ■ public desire to see such films has never been keener. The possibility of making such films has never been slighter. Public consciousness within the Empire is at last being aroused and the proposed adoption of the quota system of British films m New Zealand, instead of a footage tax on foreign product has given entire satisfaction to both public and film exchanges. f Tariff considerations veer to the view that if New Zealand is to assist British film production the protection of our markets is absolutely essential. At present American film companies are anxious to impress us with their readiness to screen British pictures and one exchange meantime is. singing its own praises for courage m this respect. The melody seems to lack some of its "band parts" however. The cleverness with which Americans present their- social problems on the screens of this country demands admiration. Nine out of ten of their films embody ideas and things, which, while being wholly American m interest, are made to appear of world-wide importance. Some people call it propaganda, but it is of such a subtle character m most cases that it escapes recognition as such. You cannot taste, the pill for the sugar. High time then that the dissemination of British ideals is given a leg-up, per medium of our motion-picture screens.