International Review of Educational Cinematography (Jan-Dec 1931)

— 370 — " In the opinion of many, the cinema is an extremely welcome pastime. Men of all ages and conditions seek in it rest and change, and many let no day pass without a visit to the pictures. Opinions vary according to temperament and habits. The teacher finds the film a valuable aid in geography, history and science. It can teach us something new about nature and mankind and, clearing barriers of time and space, can bring before us scenes of far-off lands, the habits and customs of peoples with whom most of us have no opportunity of first-hand acquaintance. Cinema attendance grows with the accelerated rhythm of modern life and the mania for speed which is seizing all classes, with the result that even infants in arms are now taken to the pictures. This means, of course a corresponding increase in the film's influence on human character and training ". " Entertainment films can provide healthy enjoyment if they cater for the better instincts and desires of children and young people and do not inflame the imagination with harmful matter ". " The cinema, largely on economic grounds, is a favourite diversion of the masses, who seek in it rest and recreation after the day's work. On this account, it could, if directed towards educational ends, be a very valuable source of mental uplift and prove a useful and agreeable reinforcement to the school. In order, however, that these benefits may be reaped, it is essential that not all the films at present shown should be freely exhibited to grown-ups and children alike, since the latter especially have their own psychological make-up and, as many teachers point out, need to be carefully treated while their minds are developing. Films must therefore be carefully chosen and, when the performance is open to children, nothing must be shown which is deleterious or dangerous in form or substance ". " The cinema is very useful as a means of education, but small children should not be allowed to go too often, or they will neglect their school duties. It constitutes a recreation for children, but, unless care is taken, may do more harm than good ". " The utility of the cinema is beyond question, but in order to serve its proper purpose, the films must be adapted to the needs of different environments ". " The utility of the cinema as entertainment pure and simple is — as regards children — very questionable and in any case depends enormously upon the choice of films ". " The mere entertainment film is not often suitable for children; either it contains love-scenes — often vulgar and silly — accompanied by gestures that excite the sensual instincts of both sexes, or it is a story of adventure and crime which exercises an undesirably powerful influence upon children ". " Films may be of utility in all their aspects, but those who are responsible for a child's education must advise the children or accompany them to the cinema, taking due account of the work done during the day or in the course of the week. Thus after a hard day's work, an entertainment or dramatic film is called for; if the day has been comparatively easy, a cultural film may very well serve to supplement the days teaching without imposing undue strain upon the pupil ". By such means it should be possible to disarm criticism which at the present time is not without justification. Hitherto, we have considered the very large number of favourable answers. Let us now turn to a number of replies less favourable to