Year book of motion pictures (1925)

new committee formed by the D. A. R.), Asheville, ( harlotte, Durham and Wilmington, N. C. Charleston, Columbia and Spartanburg, S. C, Chattanooga, Tenn., Anniston and iWacon, Ala., San Antonio, Texas, and Rutherford, N. J. The committee in the latter place is the first to be located in the environs of New York City. Formed on the initiative of the local Parent-Teacher Association, it is working closely with the National Committee for Better Films, in an affiliated capacity, and though it has been functioning only a few months the results are alreadv apparent in that the exhibitions now booked are composed almost entirely of "selected films." The weekly Photoplay Guide to these published in the newspaper is followed by the public interest. Activity of National Organizations Several other national organizations besides the National Committee for Better Films have been concerned this past year in promoting the Better Films Movement. First among these is the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. Through its Committee on Public Relations, of which Col. Jason S. Joy is executive secretary, much encouragment to the Better Films Movement has been given. This Fall Col. Joy has undertaken to strengthen the work in the South by a tour of Southern cities. The association has also used its influence with the producers to avoid types of pictures which have provoked extensive criticism, particularly those based on questionable books and plays. It has also worked out a series of complete programs for children's matinees which will be available nationally through the regular exchanges, thus greatly facilitating the extension of children's matinees. The contribution of the General Federation of Women's Clubs has also been largely one of encouragment for the Better Films Movement. Mrs. Harry Lilly, when motion picture chairman, advocated the adoption of the "Committee of Ten" plan of better films activity until its promotion was abandoned by the Associated Exhibitors, the film distributing company which had worked it out, on account of the heavy expense involved. Through Mrs. Lilly also an interesting program on motion pictures was provided at the Biennial Convention of the General Federation at Los Angeles in June. As there is still among many of the Federation members a strong sentiment for legalized censorship, this subject naturally received a place on the program along with the constructive work for better films. The two resolutions adopted called for a strengthening of the common law as affecting the exhibition of objectionable matter in motion pictures, and for cooperation with the Bureau of Education in Washington in investigation of the subject of Federal control. The National Catholic Welfare Council, on the other hand, through Chas. A. McMahon, director of its motion picture bureau, opposes censorship and issues its own "white lists" of pictures, em phasizing that patronage of the good films is the surest way of improving the quality of motion pictures. The National D. A. R. have a motion picture chairman for every state, and various local chapters have either taken the lead in better films work or are represented on composite, better films committees. The _ National Society of New England Women at their national convention last May devoted an evening to the subject of the Better Films Movement as presented to them by Dr. Chester C. Marshall rf the National Committee for Better Films. < Shortly after this, it may be here obcerved. Dr. Marshall, who is pastor of the First Me'hodist Church in Bridgeport. Conn., attracted wide attention by a sermon stressing the obligation whi^h rests upon the citizens of every community to form a better films committee, basing this sermon upon the results of a questionnaire which he hnd circulated among prominent educators, business men. ministers, producers, etc.) The National Congress of Mothers and ParentTeachers has had a better films committee for several years, but its policy has been deflected from that of recommendation alone to that of recommendation of some films plus condemnation of others As the latter is contrary to the spirit of the lietter films Movement, which recognizes that public condemnation only serves to increase patronage of the films condemned while injuring the reputation of some films which possibly in the eyes of some thinking people might not deserve such condemnation, the real contribution of this organization to the Better Films Movement, despite its activity in that connection, may be thought open to debate. However, a recent change in administration may augur a change of policy, and many ocal parent-teacher groups, proceeding independently of the national, have done most effective work, as those in the South which are represented on better films committees, that in Rutherford N J and the Mother's Club in Albany. The New York State Federation of Home bureaus, a strong rural organization, considered the subject of the Better Films Movement at their conventicin in Syracuse in November, voted for cooperation with the National Committee and forthwith appointed a committee to work out plans. "The American Agriculturist" has established a better films department conducted by the National Committee, and the National Grange Association /ecently voted to engage in the movement for ietter films. It thus appears that progress is -ihout to be made in the rural sections. This should prove a fertile field, as the conditions of carrying out the methods of better films work are much simpler where there are but one or two exhibitors to deal with, than in the cities. Newspaper Attitude The attitude of newspapers during the past year towards motion pictures has shown an interesting development. There has been some editorial criticism of titles and sensational or suggestive advertising, but very little of the films themselves other than to remark occasionally on some of their trivialities; while motion pictures have scarcely ever been mentioned without according them full measure of credit for their manifold merits. Wholly hostile criticism and editorial advocacy of censorship have almost entirely disappeared. On the other hand, a number of papers have come out strongly for the organized Better Films Movement and the work of local committees, for children's matinees, for parental responsibility in governing the child's attendance at motion pictures and above all for a recognition by the individual patron of the production effect of his own attendance at motion pictures and his responsibility therefor. The idea that every admission ticket is a ballot for the type of picture being shown is fast gaining general acceptance. Slogans Slogans are beinc used by a number of better films committees. That of the National Committee for Better Films — "Selection — not censorship — the solution"— Still remains the most popular. Stockton has "Booste the best, ignore the rest." This. Birmingham has modified to "Boost the best, improve the rest," while Atlanta has recently adopted "Cooperate and educate." Book Week Children's Book Week. November 9-16. was a^ain observed this year with motion pictures. The National Committee for Better Films prepared its largest list so far in connection with this week, covering 282' selected pictures based on apnroved literature, both new and old. which are nationally available in the exchanges. This list of Selected Book Films is not confined to tho^e for children; circulated bv the National Committee, and to thousands of libraries and bookstores through the cooperation of the National Association of Book Publishers, it is a factor in arousing communities which use it once, to year-round activity in support not only of the good book-films, but of all good films. A number of libraries here adopted cooperation with exhibitors as part of their regular activity. Details of methods used are obtainable from the National Committee. Better Films Conference On February lf.th last the National Board of Review held its Annual Luncheon for which event a number of members of the National Committee for Better Films came on from distant cities. The opportunity thus projected itself for holding at that 602