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INTERNATIONAL FILM CENSORSHIP
The much discussed question of censorship is frequently the subject of controversies in different countries, yet few people outside the ranks of motion picture film producers realize clearly its great importance as a factor in international relations. As the various censorship systems operate throughout the world, it can hardly be denied that many of them present obstacles in the way of a closer and more sympathetic communication among nations.
(Ed. Note) The problem with which Mr. Canty here deals with all the competence and knowledge deriving from the positions he has held in the past and now holds in the service of the great Republic, is one that has from the first claimed the Institute's interest. Our brief comment appended to Dr. Seeger's article in the first number of the Review heralded a big discussion of the question of censorship. In his masterly exposition, Dr. Seeger illustrated the principles underlying the cinematograph censorship in Germany. Mr. Canty expresses the hope that as much may be done for other countries, with the aim of attaining to something in the nature of an international codification of the diverse national systems. This goal is no doubt still somewhat far ahead, since, apart from general principles (and here we agree entirely with Mr. Canty) each nation, in its actual life and experience, is faced with its own particular problems claiming special care and control — a fact, indeed, fully acknowledged by the writer.
In any case, this is a question which we mean to pursue, and we are happy to announce that our next number will include the first of a series of reports on the organization and functioning of the censorship in different countries. Wherever possible — and we trust it may be so in all cases — we shall endeavour to describe the principles by which the various censorship offices are guided in the fulfilment of their tasks.
As soon as we have completed this review of the different national systems, we hope to be in a position to form practical conclusions, to determine the points on which all the different censorships are at one , and to indicate lines of general policy arising out of the universal need to protect [morals and public health. Once this is accomplished, it seems reasonable to hope that the idea of an « international censorship » put forward by our distinguished contributor may make rapid headway. In any event, our Institute will have rendered a big service to the film industry by presenting an accurate and methodical review of the policies of the several countries and of the general principles recognized by them all.
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