Gordon Mirams Is Too Honest A Critic For Columbia Pictures!
, HIS is the sad but honest face ct ¥ Gordon Mirams, our film critic, bearing up from the shock of being ~~ told. by Columbia Pictures that in futute.-he would not be allowed to darken the doors for their preview screenings. The reason? Because as a critic-he was honest enough to say what he thought about Grace Moore’s film "Tl ‘Take Romance.’ (‘‘Radio Record," April 22.) _ We employ Mirams as an honest and capable critic, who has specialised in film
work for many years, to write sincere views on forthcoming films..for the guidance of nearly quarter: of a million readers. In that work, the interests of our readers come first. They look to Mirams. for a genuine-and sincere expression of opinion. Neither he nor we claim his judgment to be infallible-not even the film producers themselves can predict accurately how any picture will appeal to the public-but we are prepared to guarantee it to be honest and sincere. Otherwise there would be no purpose in his work. The "‘Record" will always welcome the views of readers, either agreeing or disagreeing with our critic’s judgment. Honest controversy never did anyone any harm. The film interests as a whole have been most helpful and appreciative of the space the "‘Record"’ gives their art and business, and have been glad to co-operate. "Uhey are broadminded enough to appre-
ciate that a true critic must be free to express his honest view, and none has hitherto attempted either .to bribe of browbeat our critic to distort his genuine opinions. We greatly appreciate that high-minded attitude on their part. It shows confidence in themselves and in the merit of their films; and ‘we are sure our readers endorse our appreciation, and value the service of candid reviews of new films which their attitude enables us to provide. We make mention of this. incident nn a a see
with Columbia now merely to record OUF Ieilise’ subordinate our criticism of any film to commetcialism. The fact that a particular firm has cancelled advertising and withdrawn customary courtesies to our critic is of no moment. in relation to readets interests, except in so far as it will be impossiblewhile Columbia maintains the ban-for us to publish advance reviews on Columbia pictures. However, whenever possible, we shall: continue to review Columbia pictures-honestly and without bias-by attending screenings after public release. It is dificult to understand why a New Zealand publication should be singled out for the honour of being banned by Columbia. To be consistent, the company should surely also bar from its previews the representatives of several independent and influential publications overseas, including the film industry’s — own leading authority, ‘"Harrison’s Reports," which described "‘I’ll Take Romance’ as the worst picture Grace Moore has made to date. Even the "Record’s" critic had not quite the temerity to say that ! . THE EDITOR...
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Radio Record, 6 May 1938, Page 6
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481Gordon Mirams Is Too Honest A Critic For Columbia Pictures! Radio Record, 6 May 1938, Page 6
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