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8
The Kinem at o graph Year Book.
AS far as quality is concerned, we have shown that we need fear comparison with nobody, but when one takes stock of the actual numbers of films available or in the making it is clear that the present rate of progress is not nearly good enough. There are in and around London no fewer than twenty-one sound stages which have passed the whole year without producing a single picture. Only 98 have been made here altogether, which is completely inadequate for the needs of the exhibitor ; it compares with 225 in the preceding twelve months.
When I add that these 98 pictures cost over 2| million pounds it will perhaps lead to unwarrantable estimates as to the average cost, but before drawing conclusions as to this it would be well to remember that four pictures alone accounted for just under a million pounds between them ; the remaining 94 do not therefore represent a very extravagant expenditure.
I MUST not pass on without referring more explicitly to the really high grade of our best work, and in this respect honours are easy as between the British side of American organisations and our own native output. One name on each side will indicate my meaning — " The Citadel " and " Pygmalion." Yes, if all we had wanted had been proof that we could make a fine film, we might have been satisfied.
But it is far more important to stock the shop than to dress the window. That is where we are experiencing our greatest anxiety, and I must confess there is no consolation in being able to do big things unsupported by the one essential, steady and growing performance.
The galling thought is ever present that this condition of affairs has no reason to persist ; it is only a memory of the bad old days when fantastic promises produced " mug-money " on demand ; and now that the business eye overlooks the conduct of affairs we should be able to secure finance on something like normal terms.
Until we can, our studios seem likely to keep on their low level, for no Act in the world can enforce the investment of capital in a certain direction any more than it can ensure the popular acceptance of the fruits of this work.
There was, I need hardry remind my readers, quite a touchingfaith in the magic capabilities of legislation until it was disproved by facts. The hope was even expressed that pictures could be made in bulk to appeal to American audiences as