The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Nov-Dec 1922)

November 11, 1922. THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. tt EXHIBITORS .AND THE MAGISTRATES. Regulations for Children’s Matinees. “BORED BY SEX FILMS.” (By our Liverpool Correspondent). T the recent Liverpool meeting of, the C.E.A., the Chairman reported that the secretary had just received the following letter from the Clerk to thé Justices (Mr. Charles T. Barton) respecting children in kinemas : ‘* As there appears to be a misconception of No. 9 of the Justices’ Rules, I think it desirable to state that this rule should be interpreted in the spirit in which it was framed, viz., that where afternoon exhibitions are given, for children, only suitable films should be shown, irrespective of the price charged for admission. ‘For some time past exhibitions have been given in the afternoon in several picturedromes, where the audience was composed mainly of children, and the films shown were most unsuitable. Attention is drawn to the remarks of the chairman at the Annual Sessions, held here on the 27th ultimo, and the Justices ask for the co-operation of the holders of kinematograph licences in their efforts to muteguare children from viewing unsuitable films. ‘** IT ehould be obliged by your bringing this letter to the notice of the licensees.’’. Seats Too Near the Front. The Chairman said Rule 9 provided that if at an afternoon exhibition the charge was 2d. or less, such exhibition should be for children within the meaning of the rule. The point the Justices were raising was quite outside that rule. They were raising a point in regard to a certain house which gave matinees at full prices. Mr. Maddocks, manager of the Aintree Palace, said the magistrates expressed the view that the front seats were too near, and asked him if he was willing to give an undertaking that no child should be permitted to sit within 15 feet of the screen. ‘‘ I knew what that meant, and eaid ‘ Yes,’ as it was a question of the licence.’’ (Continued from page 9.) behind and soon found myself in the middle of a seething mass of people. I saw a policemen in front of me, and then suddenly lost sight of him. Then I found a mat under my feet and wiped my boots on it, and it turned out to be the policeman. The next moment I saw a fellow trade journalist holding in his arms the limp form of an apparently lifeless woman. I turned from the scene in tears. LISTENING IN. When I had sorted myself out, I looked at my feet end wondered if I had put my football boots on by mistake. To make sure I consulted a bootblack, and his efforts reassured me. I went to the Savoy Hotel as quickly as I could to the reception in agony lest anyone should step on my boots and spoil that splendid polish. When I got there, the famous eisters were there smiling and telling their company all sorts of things. I tried to listen in, but I hadn't got the right wave length. However, I did hear them say that they were all of a tremble with appreciation at their wonderful reception. And so they ought to have been.—J.B. Google The Chairman: What we complain about is that we had no notice of objection. It seems there is nothing for it but to ask the magistrates to meet us. I am perfectly sure we shall find they are amenable to anything we suggest. Suitable Pictures. Mr. Maddocke said the chairman of the bench stated. they had received complaints about children’s matinees. Judging from the reports, they said if something was not done they would make rules to provide for the sort of pictures that might he shown. The Chairman: What they are asking us to do is, that if children constitute the main portion of the audience, special programs for children should be provided. Mr. Maddocks : No murders or sex filins. Fred Worswick : Every manager ought to use his diserction. Mr. Perry: It would be better for us to fall in with the L.C.C. idea of A. and U. films. The Chairman : Saturday exhibition. It should be possible for us to show films on afternoon that have been passed for universal Fred Worswick : Children are bored by sex films. Mr. Perry: We can't put on Western drama in Liverpool. Regulations and Consultations. The Chairman eaid they did not want regulations, and thev must not show pictures unsuitable for children on Saturday afternoon. ‘t What I want to point out to the magistrates when IT meet them is that we are as much concerned about children’s interests. Without regulations we could not carry on, but we ought to be consulted in the making of them. It was decided to instruct the secretary to request the magistrates to receive a deputation on the matter, the deputation to consist of Messrs. Dovener, Allman, E. Haigh, A. Smith and the secretary. The Chairman: I think the time has arrived when the magistrates should recognise the directors of companies as licensees. At present they only recognise the man who practically lives on the premises. —_~ Sunrmer Conference Surplus. The Secretary reported that there was a balance of £27 5s. 7d. on the Summer Conferance account. The sum of £10 was given to the Ralph Pringle Distress Fund. Odd expenees would take up £7 5s. 7d., leaving £10. In view of the great success of the Conference, the Chairman suggested that amount might be spent in purchasing souvenirs for the joint secretaries, G. Dudley West and Fred Worswick. This was unanimously agreed to.