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New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 218, 27 August 1943, Page 15

Sir,-I have often intended to write in commendation of "G.M.’s" brilliant film reviews, but it has taken George Bell’s childish attack to rally me to "G.M.’s" defence. I have always agreed with "G.M." on major issues such as 49th Parallel and Mrs. Miniver, but even when I have disagreed, I have found his criticisms stimulating and rational. The thought of an adult breaking intd enthusiastic whoops at scenes of human destruction strikes me as pathetic.-One expects children at a matinee to express their approbation of the "goodies" triumph over the "baddies" by shouts and laughs, but when an adult audience commences such an infantile demonstration, it raises serious doubts in my mind as to the intellectual plane of the mirthful onlookers, No man who has gone through war and seen his pals blasted to death, is likely to be amused at spectacles of bloody massacre, How would a member of the audience who. had lost someone in the present conflict feel when he heard some moron breaking in ‘with peals of laughter at such scenes? If George Bell cannot restrain his enthusiasm, it would be better for the feelings of other members of the audience if he reserved his bellicose demonstrations for a football game,

LLOYD

BROWN

(Balmoral).

(We have received letters in support of "G.M." from Joan J, Kay (Dunedin), Joan M. Drury (Wellington), and others.-Ed.].