We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
FILMINDIA
August 1
vantage of the legal obstacles and built a picture house which spells a grave menace to the Indian film industry and other local cinemas.
It is unfortunate that a popular government was not in power at the time when the license was granted. Had that been so, our people would not have to-day to suffer the mortification of seeing a huge pile that has trampled down the justifiable protests of our citizens.
In keeping with the reputed arrogance of Americans, the management of the Metro has flung one more insult into the face of our people by reserving the right of admission as aforesaid.
Patrons who pay, to be there on sufferance — that is the position in short
In any country but India, the manager of the Metro would have been lynched — for that is what he deserves.
What right, moral or legal, has anyone to open a public place of entertainment, to advertise and to invite people to pay and to attend and then reserve to himself the right of pick and choose?
If any of the patrons chooses to become a public nuisance, there is always the ordinary law to look after him.
What right has the management to deal out its own law and pass judgment on a patron who has paid and has legally acquired a right to a seat in the auditorium?
Are we in the age of democracy or are we still struggling in the mediaeval times?
The disgrace of the whole affair is that foreigners should restrict our liberties thus and spit in our face.
The Commissioner of Police must act. If he doesn't, the Home Minister must do so. That condition from the ticket must be removed forthwith or the license to the theatre must be withdrawn.
The arrogant American must be slapped in the face and taught politeness.
If he wants to trade in India, he must help to maintain the national self respect of our people. If he doesn't do so, he must be compelled to close down his business and pack off.
4
This insulting condition affects the Indian most, as in India, almost the entire patronage of a cinema is Indian. The Europeans who attend the shows are so few in comparison with our large numbers, that any restriction of this nature will always affect, the Indians almost exclusively. And with the present day national awakening, such irresponsible acts however small they may be, soon assume the grave form of a national insult.
We leave the matter at that for the present and during the month to pass we expect the Home Minister Hon Mr. K. M. Munshi to act quickly and decisively.
A shot from "Blockade" a coming United Artists release.