Film and Radio Guide (Oct 1945-Jun 1946)

November, 1945 23 FILM AND RADIO GUIDE Teaching Audience The old problem of audience behavior is receiving new attention from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Mrs. Arretus Franklyn Burt of St. Louis, chairman of the Federation’s motion-picture committee, is developing a “youth-guidance program” which will include, among other activities, a drive against juvenile vandalism in theatres. Ed Kuykendall, president of the Motion-Picture Theatre Owners of America, has suggested that managers enlist the aid of Boy Scouts in the drive against noise, rowdyism, and destructiveness in movie houses. In some situations youthful movie patrons slash seats, defile walls, and raise disturbances that require police attention. However, in most situations the trouble is simply one of bad manners. The notable MGM short film. Movie Pests, dealing with offenders of good taste, will no doubt be shown in schools and colleges everywhere, as a phase of the 16mm movement. Describing the notable new program of the women’s organizations, Mrs. Burt says : “The new day of rapid progress has wrought havoc with our established notions of American home life. The teaching of behavior and attitudes must undergo a change in keeping with the times. “The organization of Youth Guidance Clubs will therefore constitute the major effort in this year’s program of the motion-picture committee of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The clubs will be known as Youth Cinema Clubs of the Americas. What we can do in the theaters of the U. S., we feel we can do also in the theaters of Latin-America. “Civic, patriotic, and educational groups have offered their coojjeration. The Departments of State and Commerce and the U. S. Office of Educa Martha Ann Burt tion have endorsed the program. “The purpose of the clubs is to develop citizens who have a wholesome outlook on life, sound views of human relationships, belief in the American heritage of opportunity to aspire to anything one wishes. The clubs will provide youth with a greater sense of responsibility. “Through the medium of motion pictures, we can stimulate a desire for self-improvement; show that life can be interesting, whether on the farm, in the village, or in the city. We can show that the American home is something that youth will want to preserve. We can stimulate among our youth constructive thinking about motion pictures. “The program committee for each club will be composed of an adult director, a junior member, and a theater manager. Each club will be selfgoverned. Leadership and responsibility will be developed through the work of eight committees. Members will sell tickets at the box office with the adult director, act as doormen, serve as ushers, police regular movie programs, arrange lectures on theater behavior, conduct film analysis classes, arrange auditions for talent, and conduct annual film awards.” Mrs. Burt’s committee may be interested in the “decalogs” of audience behavior developed by students in English classes at Weequahic High School in Newark, where photoplay appreciation is a regular part of the curriculum. Here is a sample in lighter vein. It was read by Gladys Liebman at a meeting of the Finer Films Federation of New Jersey : 1. He who cheers and jeers shall not be. 2. He who masticates his candy or gum aloud shall chew no more. 3. He who foretells the coming events shall be muzzled. 4. He who disturbs his neighbor unduly by walking in and out shall walk his last mile. 5. He who squirms in his seat shall squirm no longer. 6. He who gossips shall be silent evermore. 7. He who rattles candy paper shall be annihilated. 8. She who bears excess plumage shall be decapitated. 9. She who brings her whining child to the movies shall know there is no place like home. 10. They who exhibit their affections publicly shall find a more suitable place. Here is a decalog in more serious vein : 1. Remember that a student moviegoer represents his school and that, by his behavior, he can build or break down the good name of the school. 2. Remember, when responding to the appeals made by a picture, to keep your enthusiasm within reasonable bounds. 3. Remember, if you wish to show disapproval of a film, that the decent thing to do is to remain silent and to reserve your comments until you can speak or write to the manager of the theatre. Careful expression of opinion will prove more effective than acts of disturbance at a pei'formance. 4. Remember that you can best express your disapproval of unruly behavior on the pail of youi' friends in the theatre by firmly refusing to join in their acts of disturbance. Speak