International Review of Educational Cinematography (Jan-Dec 1931)

-654 Among the more noteworthy replies we select the following: " The child should only be shown educational films that are suited to his age. Parents who take their offspring to the pictures without first ascertaining the programme expose them to irremediable dangers. Scenes of amorous passion, vengeance and cowardice, far from helping to train the child's mind, may awaken latent instincts. Some of these spectacles, which injure the mental and emotional development of the next generation, should be prohibited." " The most important films for children are historical, religious and adventure films. History films, because they vividly illustrate the training and progress of humanity throughout the ages, describe famous events and acts of heroism which have gone to create national entities and help to foster and maintain national sentiment. Religious films teach the symbolical value of martyrdom and faith. As for the film of adventure, it develops the youthful imagination, which at all times needs nourishment. Dramatic films are less desirable and are even dangerous, since they are inimical to that spirit of contentment and simplicity that should be cultivated in children." " The most suitable films are those which encourage a child's best feelings, patriotism, generosity, protection of the weak and oppressed. On the other hand, films illustrating acts that provoke in children sentiments at variance with moral laws and good manners or films that over-excite the imagination are really dangerous." " Historical, religious, political and documentary films are of great value because they elevate the national and social ideas upon which education [should be based. Dramatic films, though harmless, are not of the same utility, adventure films are even less desirable; at an age which demands a healthy balance of the emotional faculties violent sensations and mental excitement may have deleterious effects upon the character. An exaggerated love of adventure may itself lead to a disturbance of mental balance." " The greatest danger lies in films of adventure with their unreal and improbable incidents and their idealisation of brute force and injustice." " Films of drama and passion are dangerous because they familiarise children with every form of vice. The actors exchange long-drawn-out kisses, where Dante was content to write: ' ...la bocca mi bacio tutto tremante... '." " Especially useful are scientific, documentary, historical and religious films, also filmed fables and tales, particularly when played by children, who are beyond question nature's actors." " Feature films, even if the theme is at first sight a moral one, always contain scenes or aspects which have an anti-educational effect. Take ' The King of Kings ' for example. It is impossible to imagine an ethically and educationally nobler subject than the Passion of Our Lord. And yet the episode of the Magdalen, wonderful as are her remorse and redemption, seems hardly within the comprehension of the very young. Apart from that , films reproducing life too realistically or representing fleshly lusts are full of danger." " Historical films are highly insidious unless they are made with the strictest regard for objectivity and truth." " Films of adventure are good for children; historical political and documentary films are suitable for adolescents. Highly dangerous are dramatic films, which deal ■with adult passions and emotions. Religious films are more enjoyable to children than they are useful and their effect upon adolescents is often the opposite of what is intended."