Reel and Slide (Jan-Sep 1919)

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REEL and SLIDE 15 Policy Standards of Review Board What Has Been Learned in a Decade of Practical Censorship by National Body Ideas of Value to Educators and Ministers in Selection of Pictures for Own Use PART II (Copyright) FILM criticism is a practical matter. Those who review motion pictures must have some kind of a policy which is both practical and impersonal. This policy must also be positive in one sense and experimental in another. Both producers and the public have the right to demand that it be consistent. It must, therefore, be in accordance with well-defined principles. Film regulation, however, cannot be reduced to unchangeable rules. Experiments must be made to discover the point of view of the public before the National Board can estimate whether they are dealing with a principle or a prejudice. Moreover, a word, a look, a gesture may change entirely the effect. The volunteers on the National Board of Review are charged with the unique task of interpreting to the public this new art and this world-wide business. The critics of the motion picture advise regarding morally objectionable elements before they are presented to the public. They bring to the picture the judgment of the typical audience. They appreciate the necessity of liberty of speech and liberty of creation. Under no circumstances must these be curtailed. The critics must give full liberty to ideas presented through the drama, propaganda, historic interpretation, tragedy, comedy, current events, etc. At the same time, society, which is being amused, entertained or inspired, must be given the right to register ethical convictions. The National Board of Review through its members performs this service for society with broad-mindedness, liberality and evenhanded justice. It avoids enforcing personal opinions. It does not believe in coercion. It searches diligently for fundamental convictions and renders decisions which it is convinced will have broad public support. Though it is a voluntary, extra-legal body having no legal power resident in itself, its decisions have the effect of legal verdicts through the co-operation of mayors, license bureaus, police departments and boards of public welfare in cities throughout the country where the official correspondents enforce the judgments of the National Board. Public Opinion The sole reason for the existence of the National Board is the desire to perform public service. The National Board becomes the mouthpiece of society. It speaks for the great mass of mankind which is not greatly affected by "isms" of any sort. To accomplish this work it constantly seeks the opinion of the public and aims both to find and to reflect what the people of the United States would think about any given picture were they sitting en masse to view it. It recognizes that motion pictures are made primarily for adult audiences and passes upon them with this fact in mind. It has adopted other methods of handling the problem of pictures to be shown to the immature. Criticism of motion pictures is based in part upon certain differences which exist in various parts of the country. It is impossible for a national institution to prohibit films because they clash with such sectional feeling. This applies equally to business and banking customs, to feelings which are acute in the South, the West, the southern frontier or the Pacific Coast, to industrial differences, political principles and civic problems. The motion pic • ture must be kept free to discuss one or both sides of the problems involved. It is clear that when the treatment of a race is unduly libelous the question of regulation is raised. In questions dealing with religious conviction the problem is somewhat different. It is manifestly indecent to make light of religion and worship where these take the form of the building, the person, the sermon, the ritual or literature. A sincere recognition of the rights of others in such matters is demanded from those producing motion pictures. (1) The National Board cannot censor for any particular audience. It cannot require that films passed for adults shall be shown only to adults. It can and does urge the establishment of children's theaters and the presentation of special children's programs. (2) The National Board does not enforce on motion pictures its own views of what is desirable or right. It tries to eliminate the personal equation completely. (3) The National Board does not regard itself as a censor of taste. It distinguishes clearly between taste and morality. • ■ (4) The National Board is not a critic of inaccuracy, unless the inacuracy m question is of a libelous kind or will result in some concrete disaster to the person whom the inaccuracy misleads. (5) The National Board makes no attempt to criticize motion pictures in order to protect the exhibitor or manufacturer from the consequences of producing a film which may alienate some powerful element in the community. • ^r Tm6, National Board cannot judge films from the standpoint of children or delicate women or the morbid or any one class of audience. k-n ^j The National Board is not responsible for posters, handbills and other advertising which may be given out concerning motion pictures. This must be controlled bv local authorities. (8) The National Board does not allow itself to be influenced by the moral character of persons who may be concerned in the production or acting of the films. It does retain the right to forbid the exploitation of unworthy reputations, such as the morbid representation of persons who may be associated with famous criminal cases. Methods of Changing Pictures The National Board exists not to destroy but to preserve the motion picture. The last action to be taken is entire condemnation. J. his means that every effort should be taken to save pictures for exhibition. Justice demands this of every member serving on the National Board. The aim of each reviewer is to remove, when necessary, harmful elements with a minimum of loss of him, of potential profit and of dramatic values. Pictures can be modified, improved and made passable by (1) change of the wording of sub-titles which suggest the action to follow, _ (2) the transposition of scenes, (3) the elimination of action m one or more scenes, (4) cutting away parts of scenes, (5) changing the main title, (6) return of the picture to the manufacturers for thoroughgoing dramatic revision with or without the assistance of the members of the National Board (7) shortening the picture to remove certain motives or effects Those reviewing pictures on the National Board must beware of preconceived prejudices. They should constantly be on guard against allowing such personal, sex, sectional, class or professional prejudices unduly to influence their decisions. The National Board is concerned with the effect achieved in a picture, the impression on the audience rather than the purpose which actuated the producer. It will be well, however for the reviewers always to bear in mind what the producer intends. If by sub-titles or other means he has clearly indicated his purpose at the outset, the probability of his achieving the desired effect is greatly enhanced. Sometimes the proper effects could be accomplished by changing the wording of sub-titles. Such phrases or introductory paragraphs will not do if the picture itself belies the statement of the producer. Pictures are to be judged as a whole with a view to the final total effect they will have upon the audiences. They should not pe condemned because of some little incident in them. Even objectionable incidents, if incidental, may increase the value of the principal idea which may be good. Evil deeds cannot be praised as commendable incidents in bringing out a good end. Such questionable incidents must be purely incidental and not one of the features of the story to be remembered, to excite, or to be emulated. If questionable scenes are introduced with no relation to the plot or simply to amuse or thrill an audience, they are worthy of careful consideration. If they have no legitimate excuse for being, they should be eliminated. Comedy Subjects Regulated The National Board has ruled that it will not pass pictures which would tend to influence public opinion on questions of fact m any matter that is before the courts for adjudication. The real ground for condemning pictures of this type is, of course not that they are true or false, but rather would tend to distort the process of law. The Board follows in this respect the attitude of all reputable newspapers. There are certain kinds of subjects which the National Board will not pass as a basis for comedies. No comedy which in effect holds up to ridicule any religious sect, religion generally or the popular characteristics of any race of people should be shown. (Continued on page 20)