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evolved a mighty scheme, Capital financed it, and Labour carried it out. None of the three could have done anything alone. In ordn to secure proper continuity and personal interest it is necessary to incorporate elements of fiction here and there, keeping to the spirit and adding to the point. The film will be directed by Paul Rotha. I have had arguments with him over this fiction business and have given way on certain points, but he has admitted the principle and we are in agreement as to the method of treatment of the theme.
To make documentary films successful, one must believe in one's subject absolutely. Sincerity cannot be grafted on to a film; it must exist before a foot is shot. If that sincerity holds out until the end of a production, it shows on the screen. I cannot explain how or why; it is one of those intangible things that make the screen so powerful and so fascinating. It is useless to proclaim this in Wardour Street, because it is heresy to believe that a million dollars doesn't always show on the screen. I believe that sincerity on the screen is worth more than a million dollars and is much more likely to declare its presence.
I have been making documentary films for several years. One of my earliest efforts was made twelve years ago and was the record of the campaign in Palestine entitled Armageddon. It was passed as true by General Allenby and the Army Council. On its completion I showed it to every film renter in Wardour Street; they would have none of it ! Because it contained no love interest it was suspect. The small capital of the company I was then responsible for was all sunk in this picture, and the position was serious. Something had to be done ; no renter would take it ; so a renting company had to be formed to exploit it. This was done and Armageddon was launched. It was eventually booked to eight times its cost. It was followed by other films of a similar type, all financially successful. But still the mentality of Wardour Street did not change.
A short while ago I made another documentary film and was informed that it would have been scrapped had it not been for the fact that the trade show had been booked. It was shown to the Trade and eventually booked to over a thousand theatres in this country, besides being sold to the Dominions. Still no change on the Wardour Street front.
Recently I was responsible for another documentary film which on being viewed was returned to me with the remarks, "Bored us stiff; no personal appeal; cut it down to eight hundred feet and it might go as a fill-up. ': I insisted on contractual obligations and the film was distributed, not with great enthusiasm or a deal of publicity, as can be imagined. It secured three runs, totalling eleven weeks, in the West End of London and has done well in the provinces. So much for Wardour Street !
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