19 MARCH 1927, Page 3

We have discussed in a leading article the Govern- ment's

Film Bill, which was read a second time on Wednesday, and need make only one remark here. The Protection proposed by means of a compulsory British quota in cinema theatres is really a work of rescue. If all the • film producers of the world were starting level in the race, we should be strongly against any such proposal ; but America has got such a long start that, in the circumstances, the expedient seems to be amply justified. It has answered well in Germany. It should not be supposed, however, that the British film industry can thrive upon coddling. In the long run it must triumph by quality, or not at all. It is satisfactory to know that the Protective policy is for a limited period. * *