Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Six Motion Picture Reviews of material or reliable information on other short subjects. We had to hold the attention of children — the most critical audience in the world. We could not use the didactic film. The pictures had to be dramatic first, interesting always, full of action and fun. We went through files reporting hundreds of subjects to select a varied assortment of animal films, sports, adventure, travel, comedy and fantasy which met the high standards we had set. There is not enough material available for anyone to select weekly programs of the highest type for children under ten. Such frequency is not necessary or wise, but we know from actual experience that the pictures are not to be found at theatrical distributing centers in sufficient quantity to make it possible, even if desirable. The pictures were rented at the current rates, and the shows just paid expenses because the admittance was rather higher than we wished it to be. But certainly any community could underwrite such an occasional matinee, and there are some pictures such as “Smoky,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Peter Pan,” “Treasure Island,” “Little Women,” which can be obtained and which will appeal to children under twelve as well as to older ones. At once practical-minded persons will bring up the very real possibility that distributors will not even rent these films to non-theatrical exhibitors. But usually exchanges are fairminded, and as long as the shows are not making money the exhibitors will not object. When they do, or even before they do, there is always a socially minded theatre manager who is willing to take over the project and cooperate with the community leaders to give what the public will support. But such a plan must be underwritten. A plan of this sort needs financial support always. The matinees will not pay for themselves at 10c admission, and no theatre manager should in fairness to himself be asked to pay for a project of this sort. Personally I prefer to have the shows in a theatre. The children like it and it brings the exhibitor and his patrons into pleasant worthwhile cooperation and mutual understanding of each others problems. I believe libraries should offer a definite contribution to any community effort of this sort, interesting children in the rich treasures of their shelves through story hours or by other means. In Los Angeles the Main Branch of the Public Library has inaugurated a splendid service. It has a central information bureau for reports on films suitable for family audiences, for junior matinees or for adult interest only. It is possible to call MUtual 5241 any time between 9 A.M. and 9 P.M. and ask for a report based on the estimate of the Joint Committee of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, National D.A.R., California Congress of Parents and Teachers, National Council of Jewish Women, National Society of New England Women, Women’s University Club, Los Angeles Branch A.A.U.W. The task was undertaken at the instigation of the Juvenile Research Committee, Los Angeles County Co-ordination Councils, composed of leaders interested in the welfare of children and young people. It is a service which is a signal contribution to community needs. The museums, planetariums and art galleries in many cities offer much to children and are actively engaged in entertaining and interesting them. No community plan for children’s recreation is complete without taking into consideration the opportunity for outdoor contests, games and hikes offered through the playgrounds, Church groups, Scout organizations. In smaller towns especially, these agencies can easily be oriented into any plan for weekly recreational programs. In a recent study made in high schools at several points in the United States it was found that hiking, camping, swimming and sightseeing are almost always preferred to movie attendance. Simple arrangements provided for children of a younger age should be made to give them another interest outside the movie theatre. The American public is mildly aroused to the danger of the influence of motion pictures as the chief recreation of children, but it is not yet well enough informed on the facts of this influence. If it is ever really cognizant of the danger, some drastic policy may be put into effect. But merely prohibiting children from seeing motion