Sociology of film : studies and documents (1946)

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POSTSCRIPT AFTER READING THE PROOFS 'political' beliefs. This spiritual power which films may possess is at present directed by the 'laws' of laissez-faire. If it is left uncontrolled, the achievements in the field of economic and social reconstruction may soon be undermined. It should be stressed that the integration of the producer-distributor-exhibitor complex of the British film monopoly necessitates State control over the value patterns of films, quite apart from economic control. This same would also naturally apply to the 'independent' producer, distributor, and exhibitor. Such 'spiritual' controls will require very careful consideration, if interference with political and cultural freedom is to be avoided, but a workable control system could easily be centred in a newly-devised censorial system. At the same time the artistic and cultural standard of a cinema like The Academy in London must under all circumstances be maintained. Here 'control' would appear to be quite unnecessary or purely formal. Generally speaking, however, value controls are in our opinion unavoidable though it is not within the scope of this book to devise their mechanisms. I wish to express my gratitude to the Editor of The Times for printing an abbreviated version of Chapter IV. This article provoked considerable discussion, which was ultimately wound up by an admirable leading article in the issue of 28th January, 1946. My Times article deliberately did not refer to the Advisory Council, under the Chairmanship of Lady Allen of Hurtwood, as this Council has no influence whatsoever over the majority of films actually shown to children. In addition I should like to add here that I, in company with Government officials, had the opportunity of observing an Odeon Children's Cinema Club in operation in London during May 1946. To my regret the observations made during my visits last year remain up-to-date and must stand. Only one addition to the 'Club Promise' — to be careful when crossing a road — appeared as a noteworthy innovation! May 1 st, 1946. I add a further book-list which should be used in conjunction with the earlier bibliography. Supplementary Book-List Abrams, M., The Condition of the British People 191 1-1945, London, 1945Allport, G. W., The Use of Personal Documents in Psychological Science, New York, 1942 (with invaluable bibliographies). 324