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

March 10, 1923. — —ee THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 73 a 9 DO WE WANT A WILL HAYS? To the Editor of Tue Frum Renter AND Movine Picture NEws. ~ IRK,—As a silent observer I have noted the claims that are frequently set forth for the appointment of a ‘‘ Will Hays."’ Your leading article, and your descriptive report of the C.E.A. annual dinner, induces me, as a. very humble member of the industry, to express my doubts as to the need for a ‘‘ Will Hays ’’—which I. understand to be. the appointment of an eminent person who has achieved distinction in some sphere of national life. I refer particularly: to: your comments on Lord Ashfield. Now, everybody will admit that the noble lord is one of the world’s greatest commercial organisers. To the general public he is ‘‘ a power in the land.’’ Yet he makes publicly the painful admission that he has been beaten by the kinema industry. I am-not at all surprised at this. Those who have been associated with the trade for some years can recall the many business men who achieved great success in other enterprises— whose entry was trumpeted with all blast and fanfare—who also retired gracefully. But not ranking amongst the world’s most eminent, their disappearance was almost unobserved. Now, this brings forward the issue which impels me to proclaim that were conditions in the film industry such that a ‘*‘ Will Hays ’’ be needed, then one could cite a number of _individuals within its ranks, who, in my opinion, could render greater services than any outsider. We have men whose address, bearing and ability to speak for the industry as a whole would, in a very short time, carry as much power and distinction as any retired politician or industrial leader could do. _ T do not agree that conditions call for a ‘‘ Will Hays.’’ What is required is the utmost honesty to one another of every section of the industry, closer co-operation between each unit, and a very deep sense of moral responsibility, impartiality and dignity on the part of those entrusted with the conduct of the trade Press. I notice that the complaints arise not from the working members of the trade who are daily compelled to fight the material problems of their business, but disgruntled outsiders and hangers-on, who, with a smattering of intellectual fads, descend upon us, and because we do not cast everything at their feet they indulge their pens in a few outbursts. These, however, soon pass away, and lapse into that obscurity for which life ordained them. ' But, it will be observed, the real members of the industry remain, and every advance that has taken place is due to their instinctive genius, their virility, their knowledge of life derived from honest contact with the masses of the people whom they are daily engaged in serving. In support of this I may call attention to the fact that the largest circuit in this country has placed itself again in the care of the ‘‘ old: hands.” I would plead that we film-men, who are constantly being admonished by arrogant journalists, so-called critics whe fail to understand some of the fundamental elements of the kinema's appeal, jealous publicity persons; are perhaps not so ignorant, so devoid of culture, so poor in ideas, so lacking imagination and knowledge as would appear from all that is alleged against us. We only happen to be deeply immersed in our work—making our business pay-—so we have little time to take part in controversies. But, let it be remembered, the 'kinema has attained its present position by the cfforts of the working sections, and I am sure it will be these who will continue to carry it upward.—Yours faithfully, | Jack ZIMMERMAN (Apex Film Co.). -ADVOCATE OF LLOYD GEORGE. To the Editor of THE Firm Renter AND Movina Picture News. Sir,—l read with vreat interest your editorial in the last issue AN of THe Fium Renter, headed *‘ Will Hays.’’ You hit the nail on the head. We need someone here in England to head our great industry so that we will command prestige and the’ confidence of the public, and be respected by financial interests throughout the British Isles. Your idea of Lloyd George carrying on the same work here as Will Hays does in America is magnificent. Keep up the good work |—Very truly yours, ' KE. J. Sirs, Managing Director, European Motion Picture Co., MR. DOVENER’S THANKS. Ltd. _ To the Editor of Tae Fitm RENTER AND Movine Picture NEws. IR,—May I encroach upon your valuable space in order S to express my warmest thanks to all the members of the Cinematograph Exhibitors’ Association who gave me their votes in the recent contest for the vice-presidency of the Association. It will be my most earnest effort to justify the confidence they have reposed in me. I greatly appreciate the honour done to me, and I feel greatly the responsibility which the votes cast in my favour impose upon me. May I add my thanks to you for the support accorded me by your journal.—Yours, etc., J. H. DovENER. GERMAN PICTURES IN BRITISH HALLS. To the Editor of Tae Fitm RENTER AND Movine Picture NEws. IR,—In the issue of your journal dated February 24, over S the signature of ‘‘ Tatler,’’ I notice what I consider an ill-mannered and misleading comment on my recent correspondence as to the exhibiton of German films. | Your comment is misleading, because I have not protested against exhibition of such films if they are exhibited openly as German products, and it is ill-mannered and unfair to my company to state that you believe it is hardly likely that my company’s theatres are able to pay the price for a really big German super. German super-films should not at present cost the exhibitor super-hire fees, for the reason that they should not cost the renter super-prices. I have it on the authority of one of the most reputable men in the trade that he was offered thirty German super-films, United Kingdom rights, for £300 each. Permit me to inform you that on Monday last, March 5, my company screcned the super British film, ‘‘ Flames of Passion,’» and on March 26 will show the super-spectacle, ‘‘Nero,’’ both for six days’ first run, Walsall. You will, I feel sure, agree with me that these subjects cost for hire as much as any German film should cost. I have stated in the Press that if the public do not object to German films I would supply them. The object of my cor _respondence is to ascertain through the Press the public view, . and, if adverse, prevent the infliction that you suggest I am not likely to endure. Trusting that you will in fairness aublish my letter.—Yours, ete., W. J . ANDREWS, General Manager, The Walsall Theatres Co., Ltd.