Kinematograph year book (1944)

Film Exhibition and Kinema Technique' 173 degree of hardship upon a certain class of exhibitor. It is also to be feared that the terms of legislation affecting even these apparently non-controversial subjects will be so framed so as not to interfere with local autonomy. Herbert Morrison, the Home Secretary, has frequently adumbrated his belief in devolution and has declared that he is not prepared to override the practice which is now definitely established as the basis of local option. And this is the difficulty which confronts the Trade in connection with many licensing matters, and particularly Sunday opening. It would therefore seem politic for the Trade first to address its endeavours to the withdrawal of all forms of jControl which have been imposed by war conditions : unless a strong attitude is adopted a similar situation may arise to that in Canada where official sources have indicated that war measures affecting the Industry will continue into the immediate post-war period and possibly beyond. Especially is this likely in respect of new structures. In U.S.A., however, as in this country, exhibitors are demanding a simplification and standardisation of the various regulations relating to kinema operation and have been so far successful, it is reported, that the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the adjustment and amendment of local laws where it is considered they are inequitable and prejudicial to exhibitors. Nearer home, in the Isle of Man, a set of standard regulations has been prepared by the Local Government Board to supersede the existing schedules sponsored by the Local Government Board of the Douglas Corporation. Regulations — -.As a matter of fact it must be admitted that, on the whole, the war-time interpretation by local authorities of their regulations has not been unduly onerous upon exhibitors, except in so far as Sunday opening in some areas is concerned. The operation of the seat plan, and price rule, based on the London County Council decision, which was so highly controversial before the war, has been generally suspended for the duration, although the London and Home Counties branch decided to consult counsel on the procedure which should be adopted regarding the application of the rule, difficulties in the operation of which were emphasised. Upon the results of the opinion of counsel further action will be based. Since this rule was imposed patrons have not hesitated to take advantage of it by approaching the L.C.C. on trivial matters mostly not concerned with the regulation, and embarrassing already overworked managements by pettifogging complaints. In spite of all difficulties exhibitors have continued to meet the requirements of the regulations dealing with the safety of the public, upon which local authorities — very rightly — will make no concession. Nevertheless it has been no easy task, for in not a few situations the drain upon front of the house staff for direction to war work has presented a problem, especially to big capacity kinemas, which it has not been easy to solve. Fear is expressed in many quarters that unless more consideration is shown to the exhibitor it will not be possible to maintain the standard of safety which licensing authorities demand. Retention of key staff of experience and competence is urged, and suggestions have been put forward that the difficulty experienced by exhibitors in conforming to safety regulations with diminished and inexperienced staff should be explained to licensing authorities whose aid should be enlisted. In some provincial cities a good deal of sympathy has been expressed with this trade dilemma, but except as regards the modification of a few essential regulations it has been indicated that nothing can be done to prejudice the safety of places of entertainment. Fortunately, in many areas, the operation of the regulations is regularly discussed with exhibitors : at Birmingham, for instance, where the Justices have under consideration additions and amendments to the Emergency Regulations, the comments of the Midland C.E.A. branch were invited before action was taken. Many managements have been able to recruit their front of house staffs from adolescents, but in some areas, as at Bristol, objection is being taken to this course and prohibition is enforced against the employment in kinemas of