PROBLEM PLAYS AND PICTURES.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 March 1920, Page 3

PROBLEM PLAYS AND PICTURES.

» (To the Editor.) Sir.—'Would you allow me apace in your columns to reply to the remarks mude by Judge Alden, of the Chautauqua, In his lecture last night, a report of which appeared In your paper? In denouncing problem plays and pictures as a means of lining managers' pockets, I think his words were 111 chosen, ae he is apparently ignorant of tho conditions and temparament or the people in this country. As t. theatrical and picture manager of many years experience, I can assure the Judge that the object of all managers In New Zealand la to give tho public what they desire. I recently controlled a proolem picture in this country, and it received the hearty approbation of the Press and public alike, It being unanimously recognised by the parents of children that this class of ploture had the desired result. I am at present managing an educational Aim, so I am entitled to take exception to the Judge's attacK on picture managers. The company which I represent is striving for the education of the New Zealand people, practically with, the same object in view as the Chautauu.ua, but we placo our attraction be.rore the public in a legitimate manner, and do not ask for the local support of the citizens to help our venture in the form of guarantors, and the selling of tickets. Unfortunately we ca ; miot slfow in tents, and have to pay rents and lighting of theatres, also considerable current expenses, being satisfied lo leave ihe financial risk to the judgment of the people. Judge Alden may know what the people of America require in the nature of amusements, but he will need to imnke himself more cauv<grsuiti the public of New Zealand before he can suggest what they want in this country.—! am, etc, W. A. LOW, Manager of the Dominion Educational Film Co. New Plymouth, March 24, 1920.