INFLUENCE OF FILMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 926, 20 March 1930, Page 14

INFLUENCE OF FILMS

BRITISH PRODUCTIONS URGED EFFECT ON CHILDREN’S SPEECH Fears that the American accent in talking films would have an adverse effect upon the speech of the next generation were expressed at the quarterly meeting of the Auckland Primary School Committees’ Association held last evening. The action of the Radio Broadcasting Company in including talking films in Auckland programmes was also criticised. The subject was brought before the meeting by the acting-chairman, Mr. G. E. Spooner, who sponsored a remit urging the need for a larger proportion of British films. The remit also suggested that steps should be taken to have films better suited for children shown at matinees. Mr. Spooner said that, in 1925, it had been decided that every picture theatre was to show a certain proportion of British films. Since then the talkies had arrived. There were very few British talking films available and the position was entirely different. "We have always been proud of our pure speech in New Zealand and visitors have told us that our English is better than in any other part of the British Empire,” Mr. S pooner continued. Mr. Bennett, the Gladstone Koad delegate, supported the remit. **l respect the Americans,” he said, “but not the way they use our language.” Mr. C. J. Lovegrove suggested that the remit be extended to cover broadcasting. The existence of a Better Films League was pointed out by Mr. Spooner. The league had promised to advise the public what films were suitable for children. The Dargaville delegate considered that the question was in the hands of the public. The theatres naturally put on the films that pleased their patrons and American films were undoubtedly popular. The remit was approved and left for action in the hands of the executive with the suggestion that there should be a consultation with the Better Films League.