TALKIES FOR CHILDREN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 862, 4 January 1930, Page 8

TALKIES FOR CHILDREN

SUITABLE SESSIONS IN AUCKLAND THEATRES CO-OPERATING A plan to screen talking films suitable for juvenile audiences is the result of conferences between principal film exhibitors and the Film Society. A scheme was arrived at last year, before the advent of talking films, to conduct special screenings of silent films considered to be suitable entertainment for children. 'lbis proposal was reached by arrangements in which her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson was prominent. The whole plan had to be abandoned through the disruption in motion picture business caused by the introduction of talking films. Messrs. Henry Hayward, Thomas A. O’Brien, and Beaumont Smith, directors of the Fuller-Hayward, the Thomas A. O’Brien and the Williamson film organisations, now believe there are excellent prospects for the new suggestion, applying to screenings in the metropolitan centres, which would embody her Excellency’s plans to the greatest extent. The New Zealand representatives of Sir Benjamin Fuller and Mr. John Fuller may also see their way clear to be associated in the proposal, it is expected. While the small number of films produced which are suitable for extremely young children is admitted to be an obstacle, there are excellent subjects available for screening before children from 10 to 16 years. When details of the arrangement were placed before the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, and Lady Alice yesterday, their Excellencies expressed satisfaction at the likelihood of operating the scheme before they left New Zealand.

The ■ principals of the organisations will be associated with the Film Society in adjusting early evening sessions each week. These will be announced as special screenings for younger people and will be shown in rotation in Queen Stree-t theatres or as each company can arrange with others when there is an outstanding suitable picture available. Matinees are proposed when the scheme is advanced.