FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 490, 20 October 1928, Page 23

FILMS AND THE STUDIOS

BRITISH YEAR—

Alter a protracted and sickly infancy, the British film industry is stepping boldly from its nursery and is going forth as a young but powerful challenger to battle with world competition. Nourished and invigorated by a substantial diet of much-needed capital t trained and developed by higher-paid technical nurses , beautified and supported by a new host of brilliant artists, it should claim at last its rightful place. Most of the handicaps that fettered British films and forced them to give way before the mass of American and the cream of Continental productions have now been removed.

Money—that all-powerful genii of industry—has been poured into the coffers of British producers. The staffs behind and before the cameras have been properly strengthened, while publicity services and selling agencies have been improved and expanded. During the year 1929 we may expect confidently more and better British films at regular intervals. There will appear a new and formidable list of stars , all of whom should become as popular as the most prominent Americans.

The list . of forthcoming releases is a long . and interesting one. Producers are abandoning the obvious and hackneyed subjects that have discredited many of their liast efforts , and are breaking new and hitherto untouched ground. A host of clever people are writing or adapting scenarios for British pictures. The world’s most famous 7iovelists have signified 'their intention of co-operating, and the screen appearance of many famous characters of modern fiction should follow. Moreover , this new programme promises to enlist for the Empire the mighty advertising power of the screen. America has benefited enormously by the propaganda effect of her films. Now it is Britain’s turn.