BRITISH FILMS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 401, 9 December 1932, Page 6

BRITISH FILMS

LARGE INCREASE IN ALLENGLISH PKOGRAMMES RECORDED. London, Saturday. Though the aim of the Cinematograph Act to develop the British film industry has not been fulfilled compietely, Gaumont-British Studios, according to the Daily Mail, are supplying such excellent films that 350 Gau-mont-British cinemqs are able to present programmes 80 per cent. British. Twenty-four million people attend British cinemas each week, and the weekly receipts average £800,000. Of the annual income of more than £42,500,000, the entertainment tax takes £7,000,000 "and the cinemas retain £23,500,000 for expenses, the payment of 150,000 workers, and interest on the £80,000,000 invested. The most interesting aspect of these amazing movie millions is the destination of the remainder, which is paid to film renters, representing American and British producers. During 1932, 150 British films were made, occupying 25 per cent. of the screen sp'ace — more than twice the quota allotment — as compared with 1926, prior to the passing of the Cinematograph Act, when American pictures occupied 97 per cent. of the sp'ace. Consequently, £2,750,000 a year is at present going to British companies comp"ared with £2,500,000 to Americans