THE CHILDREN’S OWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 50, 21 May 1927, Page 11

THE CHILDREN’S OWN

SELECTED PICTURE SHOWS EXPERIMENT IN AUCKLAND An experiment in selected picture entertainment for children was put to the test at the Strand Theatre this morning, when, several hundred school children visited the theatre, under the supervision of a committee of citizens, whose aim it is to arrange for cinema programmes suited specially to the child mind. An arrangement has been made with the directors of the Strand Tneatre for the showing of suitable and entertaining moving pictures for children each Saturday morning during the winter months. Although this idea has never before been tried in New Zealand it is operating extensively in America.

The committee hopes, with the sympathetic assistance of the Strand management, to give the children something to look forward to, in providing picture plays they can understand and enjoy, free of the danger from stories beyond their ken. This morning’s programme began with a gazette, which was followed by one of those delightfully funny “Felix” comedies of the “Aesop’s Fables” series. Then came an educative picture of railways in many lands. “Hickory, Hickory Hock,” a vaudeville item of pretty dancing, given by Mile. Valeska’s pupils, proved a diverting number. The great treat was the big picture wherein Rin-Tin-Tiu, the clever dog actor, performed all kinds of amazing feats.

Judging by the childish laughter and the happy shouts reverberating almost continuously through the theatre, the committee’s innovation was decidedly successful.