The annals of the American academy of political and social science (Nov 1926)

172 The Annals of the American Academy exhibited, either the film must be shown to the inspector or sufficient information given to enable the inspector to judge its character. All films must be reported to the inspector before exhibition, and all eliminations ordered by the National Board of Review or by the inspector must be made before the film can be shown in the city. Posters and advertising are also subject to the supervision of the City Amusement Inspector .^^ Municipal Censorship Boards One of the first cities to establish official local censorship was Kansas City, Missouri. An ordinance was passed in 1913 ^^ which created the office of Censor of Films and Pictures. The censor was appointed by the mayor and received $100 per month. Under this ordinance no film can be exhibited until it has been approved by the censor or by a board of censors recognized by him. Upon request or application the censor must examine any film submitted and, if suitable for exhibition, issue a certificate of approval. The ordinance provided for a Board of Appeals consisting of three members appointed by the mayor to serve without pay. In addition to a fine of not to exceed $500, the license of any exhibitor can be revoked for violation. With slight modification, this ordinance is still in force. The censor is now under civil service and operates in connection with the Recreation Department of the Board of Public Welfare. Seattle passed an ordinance in 1915^^ creating an advisory committee of nine members appointed by the mayor to enforce its censorship ordinance. This ordinance made it unlawful to exhibit any film not passed by the National ^ Birmingham Ordinance No. 749-C. ^ Kansas City Ordinance 15883. " Seattle Ordinance No. 34790. Board of Review or by this advisory committee, or to show any film without making the eliminations ordered. The advisory committee was also authorized to demand a preshowing of any film, even though passed by the National Board, if it had reason to believe the film objectionable for exhibition in the city of Seattle. The same year, the city of Houston, Texas, passed an ordinance creating a Board of Censors consisting of eleven "discreet persons," appointed by the mayor and approved by the council, to censor not only moving pictures, but vaudeville and other entertainments. The members of the board serve without pay, except the secretary. Any three members constitute a quorum, except that in cases of appeal from decisions of the secretary, the secretary does not sit as a member. The secretary acts as the city censor, and does all of the viewing, the board acting as a board of appeal. It is made the duty of the secretary to visit all places of amusement, so far as possible, daily and see that the censorship ordinance is enforced. All violations are reported to the Board of Censors. A permit is required for each film before exhibition. Apparently the plan has worked successfully. A Spokane ordinance passed in 1916 creates the office of city censor which is held by the commissioner of public affairs. The censor has all the ordinary powers of a moving picture censor and has supervision over all theatres and places of amusement. Preshowing is not required unless demanded by the censor, but in advance of the exliibition of any film, notice must be filed with the censor giving the name of the film, the manufacturer, time and place of showing, and descriptive matter showing the general character of the picture. An appeal from the decision of the censor is given to the city council.