The Cine Technician (1938-1939)

204 THE CINE-TECHNIUI A N March— April, 1089 and the thing was done. That can be applied to the films and to the newspapers, and it the hint is not taken there is more than one way in which things can be made awkward ior those who decline to take it. It is a form or influence difficult to fight but you and we must fighf it RONALD KIDD (Secretary, National council for Civil Liberties) Totalitarian Frame of Mind RECENT attempts to suppress unwelcome criticism; the deflection of the Oiticial Secrets Acts from the purpose iior which they were passed by Parliament; frequent interferences with the March of lime films and the censorship oj a Paramount News Film in which Mr. Wick! iam Steed, the late editor ot ''The Times" and Mr. A. J. Cummings, of the "News-Chronicle," criticised government policy — these and oilier incidents show the steady development ol a totalitarian frame of mind which seeks to undermine that freedom oi expression which is the foundation of the successuil working of democracy. My Council has recently given evidence before the Home Office Advisory Committee and has advocated that films shall be subjected to no more censorship than newspapers and books. My Council has played an active pari in fighting the attempt of the Home Office to introduce new so-called " Safety Regulations " which would have the effect of bringing the non-inflammable sub-standard films under the control of the British Board of Film ('ensors. In 1935 a representative of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association admitted that that body had been making energetic representations to the Home Office to induce that department to bring their non-commercial rivals under control. The solicitude of the Trade for public safety is not impressive. A non-flam film show is no more dangerous than a magic lantern show. .Moreover, the moral safety of the public, for which the Board of Film Censors is so anxious, is fully protected by the operation of the existing law. under which any film ot an obscene or seditious character can be prosecuted. Let us de-bunk the pretentions of the C.E.A. and the B.B'.F.C. and let us have a frank admission that control and suppression is what is aimed at. ADRIAN BRUNEL (Film Director) Tells Us What To Do WE have not only to stand firm against further encroachment from official quarters, but we must insist on greater freedom for British films. If we could have a Third Certificate for grown up adults, w herein we have at least the same freedom as they have on the stage, there might be some encouragement for British producers to make a special type of popular, intelligent, entertaining and worth-while product for which there is a vast public waiting. Just as British producers have established themselves as the best documentary film makers in the world, so I believe that we cotdd create a large and valuable market with Third Certificate productions. It is not necessary for me to give further examples oi the ridiculous anomalies in our film censorship. Technicians know the facts, and if they agree with mv sug gestion for a Third Certificate, which would give us greaier freedom in choice oi subjects and treatment, i beg of them to agitate for this. Will they write letters (or postcards) to me, to the A.C.T., to their M.P., to the papers, and to the Films Council (c/o Board of Trade, Whitehall, S.W.I.)? If they feel particularly energetic, they can write to the Britisli Board of Film CensoiS also. Since nearly all oj us are out oi work, we have at least time to spare for all such efforts to improve conditions in our industry and to create iresli opportunities lor British technicians. And don't forget, individual action can have a great deal of effect. An organisation like the A.C.T. is invaluable and essential for certain collective work, but a petition representing a thousand people only takes five minutes to digest and to be thrown into the waste-paper basket. But if half those 1,000 people writes individually, it makes a big impression. The slogan of the Active Democrats is "Be Active as Individuals" — and I suggest that if we did a little less talking and twice as much doing, as individuals, we would not only achieve a great deal by this direct effort but would be strengthening the hands of our various associations. They cannot do all the work, and while they are busy carrying out as many of your wishes its possible, instead or waiting for the next General Meeting when you issue fresh instructions, you can help by working on your own. It is not much to ask — a letter or a postcard a day — not only on what I have suggested but on the state of the British film production industry, its control by foreign influences, the vital and national importance of an active and virile British film industry. Agitate — write — speak — study — and don't be afraid. Fear, apathy and inactivity have been the curse of the modern world in the realm of international politics and those same failings are the curse of the British film world. Anything great that British people have achieved has been done by fearless pioneers. This spirit exists in our country today as flamingly as ever it did. It only needs a little encouragement and once we get going, we'll win through . 400,000 (Continued from page 180) Lamp forming part of the Dufaycolor light source is inclined to vary in emission. This printer is equipped with a photometric control to enable the Printer operator to check the light emission from the Mercury Vapour lamp during printing. The apparatus consists of a photronie cell mounted integral with the Printer lamp-house, and a micro-ammeter in circuit with this cell. A hand-wheel control resistance in the Mercury Vapour lamp circuit is also part of the system. The use of the apparatus is as follows : — At any time the operator pulls out a knob on the front of the lamp-house, this action opening a shutter which exposes the photronic cell to the light of the Mercury Vapour thus causing a current to pass through the micro-ammeter. The latter instrument then shows the emission of the lamp and if any variations occur from the predetermined setting the variations pre compensated for by the use of the wheel control on the lamn resistance. The whole of the apparatus is mounted on castors enabling the machine to be moved easily at will.