Censorship of cinematograph films (1929)

JLonDon Count? Council. CENSORSHIP OF CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS. Proceedings of the Council on 19th February, 1929. Report of the^ Special Committee on Procedure for Licensing Places of Public Entertainment, 30th January, 1929. Censorship of cinematograph films. 1. — The Council on 26th June, 1928 (p. 896), on the motion of Mr. Ray, seconded by Mr. Hobbs, resolved — That it be referred to the Special Committee on Procedure for Licensing Places of Public Entertainment to consider and report what is the procedure followed by the Council in relation to the public exhibition of films — (1) Which have not been submitted to the British Board of Film Censors for approval. and (2) Which have been submitted to the British Board of Film Censors and have not received their approval, and as to the procedure in regard to the censorship of films generally. We have had the advantage of hearing the views of the mover of the motion. A report dealing with the history of the censorship of cinematograph films in this country, and embodying information obtained as to the position in the provinces and in certain foreign countries, has been submitted to us by the clerk of the Council, and we have given instructions for copies to be sent to members. Copies will also be placed on sale. The information with regard to European countries has been obtained through the International Union of Local Authorities, and we desire to express our appreciation of the services rendered. (i) The position in London — The British Board of Film Censors. The power to deal with the character of films is derived from a provision of the Cinematograph Act, 1909, which authorises the licensing authority to attach conditions to the grant of licences. Until 1916 the Council imposed no conditions, limiting its action to inquiry into complaints, and from 1916 to 1921 the only condition attached to such licences was one providing that no films should be displayed which were likely to be subversive of public morality. In 1912 the British Board of Film Censors came into existence. The Board is not an official authority, but is an organisation maintained by persons engaged in the cinematograph industry. In 1916 the Secretary of State raised the question of the establishment of an official censorship of films, and in this connection the Council on 30th May, 1916 (p. 553), expressed the opinion that the establishment by the Government of an official and independent censorship of films, whose decision should be accepted by the licensing authority, was desirable. Conferences were held, but no action was taken, and on 30th December, 1918, the Council was informed by the Secretary of State that legislation on the subject was " impracticable in the existing circumstances." Between 1916 and 1921, the beneficial effect of the work of the British Board of Film Censors became increasingly apparent. The Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association had, on several occasions, asked the Council to prohibit the display, for profit, of uncensored films, and to place a condition to that effect on the licence. Although the Council had not officially recognised the work of the Board, the Theatres and Music Halls Committee had, for some time prior to 1921, endeavoured to obtain a promise from applicants for licences that they would show only films which had been passed by the Board. On 20th December, 1921 (p. 861), the Council decided to accept generally the decisions of the Board in regard to films to be exhibited. The conditions giving effect to the Council's decision are embodied in No. 8 of the rules of management annexed to cinematograph licences granted by the Council, and are as follows : — ■ 8. (a) No cinematograph film shall be exhibited which is likely to be injurious to morality or to encourage or incite to crime, or to lead to disorder, or to be in any way offensive in the circumstances to public feeling, or which contains any offensive representations of living persons. (6) No cinematograph film — other than photographs of current events — which has not been passed for " universal " or for " public " exhibition by the British Board of Film Censors shall be exhibited unless the licensee obtains the express consent of the Council in writing. (c) Immediately before the exhibition of each cinematograph film passed by the British Board of Film Censors a reproduction of the certificate of the Board or, as an alternative, if such certificate is not available, a slide giving the name of the film, stating that the film has been passed by the Board and giving the category in which the film has been placed, shall be exposed in such a manner that it shall be legible to all persons attending the exhibition. (d) Unless the licensee obtains the express consent of the Council in writing no cinematograph film — other than photographs of current events — which has not been passed for "universal" exhibition by the British Board of Film Censors shall be exhibited at the premises during the time that any child under or appearing to be under the age of 16 years is therein, provided that this rule shall not apply in the case of any child who is accompanied by a parent or bona fide adult guardian of such child. Published by the LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL, And may be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from P. S. KING AND SON, Limited, 14, Great Smith Street, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.I, Agents for the sale of the Publications of the London County Council. 1928. No. 2630. Price 2d. 300 — [1 794] — G. B. & S. Ltd.