FilmIndia (Jan-Nov 1942)

This section is the monopoly of "JUDAS" and he writes what he likes and about things which he likes. The views expressed here are not necessarily ours, but still they carry weight because they are written by a man who knows his job. SHANTARAM GETS GOING Under Producer-director Shantaram, the Film Advisory Board seems to be making fast progress in the production of documentaries, short features and semi-topical films. The latest reports available show a number of subjects already in hand such as: "The Knock of Fate" giving us the story of the "V" campaign; "Aiming High'', encouraging recruitment to the Indian Air Force; "World Ccmbat" which strangely enough promises to tell the story of our dynamic defence; "Navy Film", underlining the recruiting activities of our navy; "Covering With Affection", a documentary on blanket making in India; "Sir Stafford" a documentary of the socialist knight's visit to this country and a couple of more on a Lahore dairy and cattle show, probably as a tribute to our worthy Viceroy. Not content with this varied material, most of which is hardly useful for war propaganda except the Air Force and the Navy films, Shantaram wishes to give short news caricatures of 75 or 100 feet calling them "Flicks of the Day". This feature promises to expose the pan-Asiatic propaganda of the Japs. From the above films, two, viz: "Aiming High" and "The Knock of Fate", have been released for public exhibition. Shantaram's technical skill in framing thesa subjects provides a marked contrast with the slapstick work given hitherto by the Board. Both the subjects are aimed high technically and presented with a remarkable degree of efficiency. We did not, however, approve of the commentators of both the films. Some Robert Stimson speaks for "Aiming High" and though the written commentary is quite well done, the spoken word is affected, unnatural and unimpressive. Stimson seems to be having an accent of his own which does not sit pleasantly on one's ear. The commentary of "Knock of Fate" is given by Messrs. Aubrey Menon and John Rowdon. We presume that one of them has written it and the other has spoken it. Who has done which is kept a secret but as their voices are disgustingly familiar on the A.I.R. we think that Rowden has delivered the spoken word. This commentary is written in an academic highflown style and entirely fails to appeal. The spoken word, in addition, is unnecessarily affected lending to the commentary a peculiar foreign accent which alienates the sympathy of the Indian listener. Shantaram must not allow such people to spoil his good technical efforts, for both the films are good presentations pictorially. Particularly in "The Knock of Fate", it is admirable the way Director B. Mitra has succeeded in capturing cleverly the continental atmosphere which contributes to the theme of the story. The Film Advisory Board must find commentators who would be understood by our people in general and not persons who seem to have an odd size pebble in their mouth. OUR RAW FILM SUPPLY As a result of the deputation led by Rai Bahadur Chuni Lall on behalf of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association, the Government of India are reported to have agreed to a priority import of seven and half million feet of raw film into India every year. For normal consumption, this quantity is enough for our industry provided transport for the same is available during these times. Radha Rani adds sex appeal to "BadaV a social story of Eastern Pictures. 7