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New Zealand Listener, Volume 7, Issue 180, 4 December 1942, Page 3

Sir-If G.M. handed in the milk. and-water type of review suggested by L. Waller-Edward, "Speaking Candidly" wouldn’t survive two issues. G.M.’s ability to feel that something (or lack of it), in a motion picture, and the lucid manner in which he commits his reactions to paper, has stamped him as New Zealand’s leading film critic. What are the use of credit titles before a film if we do not criticise the persons named? Women do not visit shops to accept any material which assistants choose to foist upon them; men do not purchase just any shirt or suit; rather they study shades and patterns and formulate their own ideas upon them. Why, therefore, should we accept any film just because Messrs, XYZ says this is a colossal feature with a terrific star? If left to showmen, most of whom always find such good reasons for making money the easiest way, the cinema will continue to be nothing but a glorified sideshow, whereas if its powers are controlled by those artists who have studied and who understand the medium, it can become the greatest force in the cultural and artistic development of mankind,

ROY A.

EVANS

(Christchurch),

Sir-Recently-my wife and I visited Auckland and saw several cinema programmes. The last we saw was "The Vanishing Virginian," and we both agreed that it was the best we had seen during our visit. Imagine our surprise when we reached home and opened The Listener to find that we were .mistaken and that the picture was inferior. Candidly, what was wrong with G.M.? Had he been eating lobster salad or was he just sickening for the "flu? If G.M.’s critique of that picture was a criterion of the reliability of his other critiques, the sooner he ceases to pose as a reviewer the better. We shall in future not believe him.

BACKBLOCKS

(Hokianga).

(It does not surprise us when tastes differ, It surprises us that the difference should be used as an excuse for a rude letter.-Ed.).