Reel and Slide (Jan-Sep 1919)

ExrroRiAus Controversial Topics THE increase of motion pictures dealing with subjects arousing heated discussions and presenting ideas which have burst to the surface of our social life has led the National Board of Review to declare its policies for handling them. It accordingly announces that it is concerned not only with the morals of the plot of such motion pictures, the treatment of the plot, the care used in its development, the wealth or paucity of detail and illustration, and the quantity of given themes, but also with the methods used to attract audiences in all parts of the country. Often these latter have become an integral part in the effects produced on those witnessing the picture. Most of the elements entering into these effects are part and parcel of the work of the National Board in voicing the moral convictions of the American people. Standing as the representative of the public, the National Board will give due notice to those who produce and exhibit motion pictures regarding its decisions on all controversial representations whatever their source and whatever may be the subject under discussion. In the last ten years, and especially since the war has opened the gates for the more general discussion of controversial subjects, many of them have been made into intensely dramatic motion pictures. The subjects themselves are not simply incidental to the personal drama, but have been elaborated until they become the underlying theme of the story. Such subjects have been discussed as capital punishment, white slavery and the social evil ; the effects of liquor and prohibition ; birth control ; the effects of venereal disease ; socialism, self-abuse, international politics, public charity, nudity and the single standard of morality. Some of these have been handled in a crass, crude and commercial manner, with little desire to educate the public, but with great desire for personal profit. It has been comparatively easy to detect the underlying motive in such films and take the necessary steps for their control. Certain of the subjects of high quality, however, have been presented to the American public with the open or tacit approval of one or more departments of the government. Some others have been prepared by or endorsed by leading representatives of various churches. Great welfare boards and national committees charged with certain departments of social development have stood behind others of these films. Still other pictures are the outgrowth of the convictions of persons of intelligence who are convinced of the importance of some industrial, social or political theory. It is with many of these sincere and dignified attempts to discuss questions of importance that the National Board of Review has been concerned. Quoting from a statement recently issued by the Board bearing on this matter: "The National Board recognizes that an idea expressed in words to a limited audience is a far different thing from a moving picture which has an unlimited national circulation. The National Board is primarily concerned with the effects of pictures on audiences and claims to have some intimate knowledge of this matter. But it makes no claim to superior knowledge of the truth or falsity of the angle treated in any such photoplay and refuses to be a judge of absolute truth. Even when experts are called in to advise with the National Board it is found that these experts themselves disagree. "The screen should be as free for the discussion of questions of controversy as the pulpit, the platform, the magazine or the stage. It is desirable in America that, through various forms of education, the people generally shall be led to think. So, pictures discussing such topics as those mentioned above deserve circulation. It is undesirable, however, to permit them to be exploited without regulation. The wrong impression may easily be produced with false or sensational newspaper advertisements and posters as well as other forms of publicity. It is also conceded that some subjects, satisfactory for the mature person, may be most questionable for the young. It is also recognized that one or two films treating a given moot question may be acceptable, but that when several appear in rapid succession undue controversy is aroused." Pictures and Prohibition THERE is no doubt that the cause of national prohibition has been successful largely because people have seen, week after week, the effect of liquor, on the screen. No words have been spoken, but the deadly parallel between temperance and drunkenness has gripped the minds of audiences. While cultured people have talked in vague terms about Americanization and have feebly attempted a program which the foreign-born have resented, the motion picture has painted attractively the desirability of citizenship, the glory of America, and one hundred per cent patriotism. While well-meaning citizens have irritated thousands, the motion picture has inspired millions. Closely allied to this work has been the indirect and the direct preachment against nihilism, bolshevism, and the other isms which tear down democracy. The audiences in motion picture houses have seen the causes and the results in a way they understand. urn Holding the Mirror {HE screen, in helping to bring men and women together in a universal understanding of their essential brotherhood, can do its greatest work," said D. W. Griffith recently in an interview. "To the family or the small group in which people rub elbows and step on each other's toes, the screen has something to say. It can show men and women to themselves. In it they can see themselves as others see them. They can see their little meannesses and mighty offenses mirrored, from bad table manners to acts of selfishness that destroy the wellbeing of others, and the seeing may make them uncomfortably self-conscious of themselves as they really are. And when a man becomes uncomfortably self-conscious of himself, he may find comfort in improving himself."