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for the purpose by the local Authorities (i). The Licensing Authorities are required to acquaint themselves with the character of the films shown. The main object of the Act in question is to protect the public against all dangers inherent in the cinematograph, whether material (danger of fire, etc.), by the proper inspection of cinema premises, or moral and social.
The Local Authorities subject the granting of licenses to certain conditions and restrictions, which we will examine hereinafter.
As far back as the year 191 2, British cinematograph trade associations formed a non-official body, supported by the film trade and industry, known as the British Board of Film Censors. There is no compulsion to submit films to this Office and their decisions are not legally enforceable. The work of the Board has, however, proved so efficacious by reason of the thoroughness and appositeness of its rules and methods, that its decisions have in nearly all cases been endorsed by public opinion.
Notwithstanding that it acts in a non-official capacity, the Bristish Board of Film Censors has succeeded in practically standardizing the system according to which licenses are granted by the local authorities, and the expediency has been considered either of entrusting the official censorship to this body or of placing it in a position, through the medium of the local authorities for instance, legally to enforce its decisions by law. Thus in January 1917 the Home Office issued and sent round a circular which amounted to a Code of Cinematograph Censorship regulations, for the guidance of the local Authorities, drawn up in accordance with the principles and rules laid down by the Board.
How the Office works. — The Board is assisted by an advisory body of experts who examine films and suggest such emendations as they may deem expedient.
When favourable to a film, the Board expresses its approval by the issue of a certificate : Certificate U applies to such films as are considered suitable for showing to any kind of audience and Certificate A to films which are regarded as fit to be shown to adults only.
The Board does not issue any certificate for films which it disapproves.
No distinction is made by the Board between dramatic and educational films.
The Board has established the following tariff of fees for its services :
Educational, scenic or industrial films : 1 shilling per 500 feet ;
All other classes of film : £. 1 per 1000 feet.
(1) The County Councils, which may delegate their powers to other authorities, including the justices sitting in petty sessions, and the County Boroughs which may, in their turn, delegate them to the Borough Councils. These local authorities act in accordance with the regulations issued by the Secretary of State.
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