FILM CRITICISM
Sir-A comment on Ellery Clark’s reasoning. He claims that "a film can and must be judged only on its popularity," yet proceeds to defend Fortyninth Parallel not only because it was popular, but also because it had intrinsic good qualities unjustifiably condemned by G.M. "A tripey film" he says next "will not last as long as a film enjoying a long run on its own merits." "Tripey" and "merits" of course, indicate that Ellery Clark himself has standards by which he measures the intrinsic quality of films independently of their popularity. If he hasn't, what he asserts is just this: "A less popular film will not run as long as a more popular one," which is scarcely a profound or useful remark. I should like to add my thank-you to G.M. to the list. According to my standards, he sometimes fails because his are too low, but it is exhilarating to find someone attempting honestly to judge films on their own merits.
W. J.
SCOTT
Karori).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19431008.2.9.7
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 224, 8 October 1943, Page 3
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168FILM CRITICISM New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 224, 8 October 1943, Page 3
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