Sound motion pictures : from the laboratory to their presentation (1929)

332 SOUND MOTION PICTURES modification was made through the efforts of Will H. Hays of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America by arrangement with the French government. This permitted 60 per cent, of American importations to be admitted free into France. For any above this level American producers are required to distribute a certain number of French films in the United States in order to obtain the necessary licenses. As an alternative they are required to purchase licenses from the French producers, who receive seven licenses from the Cinema Control Commission for each film produced in France and deemed worthy by the Commission. It is felt, however, that such regulations have not furthered French motion picture interests outside of France, and it is likely that more rigorous regulations will be adopted. Recently a large number of exhibitors petitioned the French government in protest against drastic regulations that would curtail the showing of American motion pictures in France. This protest was aroused by the fact that the Ministry of Public Instruction was preparing a series of new regulations which would impose a three-to-one quota upon American producers. Under such a plan American films would be reduced approximately 50 per cent. The rest presumably would be imported from Germany and Britain, with whom French producers have formed a European bloc. Germany was the first country to regulate imported American-made motion pictures. Restriction was rendered effective by making it necessary to produce a motion picture on German soil for each American motion picture admitted. Modifications, however, were arranged later to permit the importation of an American-made motion picture for each German picture distributed in America. It may be said, generally, that in countries where American films have been restricted theatre attendance has in many instances been decreased. This result is an indication that