BRITISH FILMS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20263, 4 August 1937, Page 7

BRITISH FILMS.

A CRASH POSSIBLE. VIEWS OF EXHIBITORS. NEED FOR A COMMISSION. United Pres* Assn.—Eioc. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Aug. 3. If the Government does not appoint a films commission to reconcile conflicting interests within the British film industry, a crash is Inevitable. This view is expressed by the Cinematograph Exhibitors’ Association, representative of 4242 British cinemas, in an attack on the over-building of cinemas. The association states:—“There has been no check on expansion, and in many areas saturation, if not oversaturation, point has been reached. Film production has not increased at the same rale. Consequently, all films, good, bad and indifferent, have had to be shown to the detriment of the public.” The association urges that, in the public interest, there should he appointed a controlling body, such as a conflicting sections of the Irade wiMi powers of supervision to ensure that British cinemas continue to be Brit-ish-owned. The association desires the elimination of cheap films, known as “quota quickies,” so called because they help to provide the 20 per cent, of British films, which cinemas must show under the Films Act, which is about to be re-designed. Tile association regards “quota quickies” as a reproach lo British producers and screens, and says they arc resented by the public.