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IMPRESSIONS AND REFLECTIONS
would take an interest in these clubs. It appears that the Gaumont British Junior Clubs attempt to enlist the help of local educational authorities, but I was unable to obtain exact information as to the extent to which local educational authorities take an active interest in the management of the clubs. Some certainly do, some may be content to be only formally represented on a committee which has, like so many things in the film industry, purely a facade character. But it must be admitted that Gaumont British attempts to enlist outside expert help at least locally, though I have seen no evidence of such a committee where I have visited a Gaumont British Junior Club.
Contrariwise, the Odeon Children's Cinemas appear to be entirely run by the central office and the local managers. Some of the latter like the children's clubs, and if they like them show tenderness and understanding in dealing with all those problems which of necessity arise when large crowds of children gather together. Other local managers prefer to be strict. In these cases the children's clubs have no pleasing childlike atmosphere whatsoever, though the administration is orderly and correct.
There is another interesting difference between the Odeon and Gaumont British Clubs. Whereas the former appear to admit all children from four or five years upwards, the latter have a rule that only children from seven years upwards should be admitted. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the more proletarian areas the elder children take their baby brothers and sisters with them, which means certainly a great relief for those mothers who want to do their Saturday shopping quietly. But the children's cinemas are, to a certain extent, nurseries, and in my humble opinion children under seven should not go to the cinema at all, even if accompanied, except on condition that special films for the tiny ones are made, as I believe they are made in Canada. But such films cannot be made without the effective assistance of child psychologists who, so far, appear to be regarded by the film industry in Great Britain as non-existent.
Perhaps I should say now what is actually shown at such a children's matinee. Hundreds of children come in and see coloured slides on the screen, needless to say badly and crudely drawn. One says: Tt pays if you say thank you and please'; another, 'Odeon Billy wishes you not to push when you are waiting in a queue.' The children are also reminded that to wash and to comb one's hair is a good thing to do, etc. After that the club 'hymn' is sung:
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