Sociology of film : studies and documents (1946)

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THE ADULT AND THE CINEMA definitely state, would not in any way influence my personal decisions or behaviour. The reason why a number of people go to the pictures, is not only to be entertained, but because they want to escape from their own world into a world of unreality, romance and make-believe, where such things as Income Tax do not exist. Films offer this escape— an escape from reality. However, an intelligent person realises that life is very much different from that presented on the screen, and therefore one is not influenced by such films. However, there are exceptions, and it is to these exceptions that I refer. Occasionally one sees a film which consists of more than just laughter, glamour and romance. To give a specific example the type of film to create an impression, was one which I saw some time ago entitled Thunder Rock. Nevertheless I am informed that this film was considered a failure, and was considered too 'interlectuar (intellectual) for the masses. I'm afraid that on that point I disagree and I can only add that the mentality of the average person must be very low if the only type of film which appeals to them is one in which there appears numerous pretty girls and a certain amount of display of the female limbs. The type of film which I have given as an example is the only type which could personally, make an impression on me. Please do not think that I despise the other type of film — that would be incorrect! People go to be entertained, and most films provide this entertainment, but I cannot help but think that it is indeed regrettable and unfortunate that this type of film should make an undesirable impression on the youth of to-day. Girls are, I believe, more inclined to imitate the various film stars and their mannerisms — more so than boys. The result is that a large proportion of girls are influenced to such an extent by what they have seen on the films that the thoughts which are mainly in their minds are namely: the opposite sex, sex appeal or sex allure, how to cultivate it, and love, and therefore their decisions and behaviour is governed to a great extent by what they have seen on the films. However, I find I have somewhat deviated from my original point which is to state that films have no influence whatsoever with regard to my personal behaviour. Some films I have seen may create an impression but under no circumstances are they applicable to my personal behaviour and decisions. 26. Miss . . . On reading your article in the Picturegoer I decided to give you my views on both questions. 211