The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Mar-Apr 1923)

-March 3, 1923. A Will THE FILM RENTER '& MOVING PICTURE NEWS. > Hays ? Smith sent us for publication in our last issue as a slight idea of what was being dome in the American film trade as pro-film propaganda by the Hays organisation, causes one ** furiously to think.’’ Here, tor the first time, we see valuable data which has been extensively circulated amongst the American Press, and the effect of 1t can only be to strengthen the impression of the value of the motion picture business from the commercial point of view. Mr. Smith, in his letter enclosing this information, asks if it would not be possible for something similar to be accomplished on this side, and, as will be seen from ag letter from Colonel Browne on another page, this gentleman takes up the same attitude, and suggests that we should have a strong man in charge of this business, with an organisation similar to the position occupied by Will Hays on the other side. Many of the leaders of this industry have from time to time informally discussed among themselves the advisability of having someone at the head of affairs who could not only present our industry to the whole of the British Empire as a serious proposition, but, by virtue of his association with it, command the respect of financiers who would certainly be more inclined to treat the film industry more seriously than they do at the present moment. | TO: imposing array of facts that Mr. Edwin J. _ ds the time ripe for the appointment of a Will Hays in this industry of ours? It would appear that to-day there was never a better or greater opportunity to have some big outstanding personality at the head of affairs in this trade. By an outstanding personality, I mean a man who could command the confidence of the Government, the Press and Lombard Street. When matters Were at a crisis in America, the leaders of the film industry over there took the unprecedented course of appointing Will Hays us their leader, paying him a fabulous salary sufficient to win him from the Government of which he was a prominent member. Would it not be a great thing for this industry if a similar course could be effected over here? At the present moment it is idle to deny that the kinematograph industry is at the mercy of every little Killjoy and Stiggins in the land. It is attacked from all quarters, and there is no one to refute all the idle nonsense and pin-pricks that are constintly being levelled against it. Finance is not attracted, because the trade is not represented in the right quarters. If we had a man similar in position to that of Will Hays who could, with an effective organisation, represent this industry and drive home sheer facts by reason and virtue of the importance that it undoubtedly occupies, would it not reflect favourably upon the entire business? The volume of facts that have been sent out in Ameriea could be duplicated to a smaller, but just as important an extent over here, and if the general public had a correct idea of the vast ramifications of the British film industry and the amount of capital invested, we venture to sug gest that it would come as a veritable eye-opener to them. Ne a In many other ways could a great personality at the head of this industry be of invaluable assistance. Such a man could be the arbitrator between exhibitor and renter, and there would never be the slightest recourse to law suits, from which so much valuable time and money would be saved. The censorship board would come under his control, and both sides of the industry would know where they stood. Instancing how Will Hays operates in America, it will be noted that during the past few days he and his organisation have produced a uniform contract which has been very favourably received by both exhibitor and distributor in that country. If we had a similar personality at the head of affairs over here, could not the same thing be done without the ceaseless bickering and fruitless disputes that have arisen during the past two years? Where could we obtain such a man? Is it not possible to imduce Mr. Lloyd George to take such a position, or, failing him, Sir Eric Geddes? Both of these men have occupied great positions in public life, one the greatest of all, viz., the Premiership, and if representations were made to either of them I am strongly of the opinion that sueh a position would commend itself to either of the gentlemen I have named. With a man such as Mr. Lloyd George at the head of affairs, this trade would rise a hundredfold in its importance. Such a man would be a bulwark against the attacks that are increasingly evident each day, and would proclaim to the world that if it was good enough for him to take on such a post, then there must be serious business in such an industry. All that it requires is a little looking ahead on the part of every section of this trade. The time is ripe for a Will Hays. Let us look to the future, and if we can secure the services of a great personality such as I have outlined to take command of this industry, it will be the greatest thing that has ever been done in its history. The money that such an organisation would require is such that could be borne by every section of the industry, and its benefits would far outweigh the small charge that would fall on every individual. I throw the suggestion out. Look ahead and see whether we would not be better served if the situation were taken m hand at once. APPOINT A WILL HAYS. _ ey Kltuau, Q———_:-:-:t‘<«;~;2; zj