FILM CRITICISM.
Sir,-Your correspondent, Dennis Hartley, is of the opinion that "G.M." is the only film critic in the country, and therefore the best. Since Mr. Hartley is quite right in his statement that "G.M." is the only critic in the country, he cannot be compared with anyone else, and in this light, being alone in his trade, he is the best. However, if compared with good critics from overseas, "G.M." appears in a different light, and it would be as logical to say that he is not the best, but the worst critic in New Zealand. His criticism of 49th Parallel was a flag-
rant example of undeserved criticism. In spite of Mr, Hartley’s opinion to the contrary, a picture can. and must be judged only on its popularity, for what is a picture for, but entertainment and relaxation from thought? 49th Parallel was extremely popular all over the world, and yet "G.M.", one man in millions, did not like it! He condemns it because of slight technicalities. He says it failed as propaganda, as the natural tendency is to pity one man who is sought by many. This psychology is entirely false, especially when the man is a ruthless German. Dennis Hartley declares that "any tripey film can have a lengthy run." I contend that a tripey film will have a lengthy run only through excessive advertising. Even then, it will not last as long as a film enjoying a long run on its own merits. It is in his reviews of this latter type of film that "G.M." should be reminded that it is possible to be too candid in his column "Speaking Candidlv."
ELLERY
CLARK
(Wellington).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19430924.2.10.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 222, 24 September 1943, Page 5
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280FILM CRITICISM. New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 222, 24 September 1943, Page 5
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