No Film Shortage Despite the War

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 10

No Film Shortage Despite the War

Despite the war England's great film industry is maintaining its normal production and New Zealand theatres are not likely to be faced with a shortage of British or any other films. This information was given by a Taranaki theatre manager, when the belief that because of the war the English production of films would be curtailed to an extent that would seriously embarrass those who provide the public's entertainment, was refex'red to him. Pointing out that there was more than a surface reason for the industry's continuance of production in war-time, he said that the motion picture industry was doing its share towards ultimate victory. The medium of motion pictures was serving a national purpose to an extent which perhaps only a few realised. The theatres were doing far more than any other force to offset the dangerous reaction of mental depression. The industry was part of the nation's drive towards the optimism which would build confidence and morale in the hearts of a people who daily, over the radio and in the newspapers, heard material facts which demanded the balance of an equally forceful emotional appeal to re-

sist the development of a depressed mental outlook. "Thus, it is," he commented, ".that the effect, of the war upon the motion picture industry has been more psychological than a damper upon production. Studios are now producing films with a definite purpose— lighter flrms designed to inculcate a feeling of optimism and brightness. Where before the war, a theatre would perhaps, have contracts for films such as "The Good Earth." "Cardinal Richlieu," "The Magnificent Obsession" and "The Crusades," contracts were now made for films such as Warner Bros' 'Four Wives," "The Great Victor Herbert, "The Star Maker," and Dad Rudd films. Propaganda films were also engaging a big section of the studios' attention, as was borne out in recent films such as, "Hitler, Beast of Berlin." "Enemy Agent," "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," and others. At present a British studio was producing a propaganda film dealing with Nazi methods. This film, proof of the fact that British studios were still in production, would be released without a title. Questioned about the possibilties of a dislocation in the arrival of films, occasioned by '-,e warfare at sea. he said that so far no serious difficulties had arisen, except in an isolated case or two concerning news reels.