BRITISH AND AMERICAN FILMS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 331, 26 October 1945, Page 24

BRITISH AND AMERICAN FILMS

Sir,-I have often wondered why it is that some people cannot help showing such a resentful, vicious and jealous spirit towards the Americans. I have come to the conclusion that it is either that we hate and despise those to whom we are indebted, or else it dates back to the American War of Independence, when we realise they had a case, yet stubbornly refuse to admit it. If it were merely apparent in the case of some of our boys whose girl-friends had shown a preference for a better man, it could be readily understood, but it seems that the green-eyed monster shows its ugly head in many more cases than in those directly affected. Such a spirit of animosity never draws sympathisers. On the contrary-it draws attention to the viciousness and pettiness of the attacker and one develops more respect for the victim of the attack. Such is the case in G.M.’s criticisms of American films. I have noticed time and time again his anything-but-subtle, below-the-belt digs at American films, and compared this with the undying eulogy he slavishly bestows on the poorest of British films. I have read his glowing accounts of British films with allegedly excellent acting and superb photography-have seen them, and could not help noticing the deplorable photography and actors who throw their whole heart and soul, oratorical ability, and love for overdone melodrama into what should be a simple little scene until one begins to feel most uncomfortable and aware of oneself, as if one is listening to an over-dramatic elocutionary item. They counteract their stiffness and inability to act by vicious swearing (which evidently they consider’ necessary to prove they are men) and altogether cause one to bear in mind the fact that "a person is an actor when he forgets how to act." Strangely enough I have not seen a British film minus swearing, and never seen an American film with it. I am not a wowser-but don’t consider it nécessary for a convincing picture. The fact that the British nature is more introverted and self-conscious than the American is probably due to the inability of British people to forget themselves on the screen or stage and to act easily and naturally. Perhaps we would understand this and overlook this, if only the photography, the story and in fact the whole picture were better. As it is, most of us prefer American films, especially when they’ seem to be able to produce characters so much easier on the eye than do British films. I am a New Zealander of four genera-tions-very proud of my country-but sometimes, when I think of the’ glaring smallness df spirit and hateful resentment shown by a number of our people, it makes me feel ashamed of my own country people. In the meantime I shall continue to see American films. I very proudly add Imy name to my heartfelt opinion.

R.

EVANS

(Auckland).