CHILDREN AND CINEMAS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—May I be allowed through the courtesy of your columns to draw attention to a source of evil, scarcely realized, to the childhood of our nation at the present time ? I refer to the films shown at cinema theatres on Saturday afternoons. Due to the half-price admission, children on these occasions throng the galleries and halls, and, were the pictures shown as suited to their years as the penny payment is to their pockets, it would be hard to find a better form of amusement, keeping them from mischief and loafing in the streets. But if those who are lovers of children and interested in their welfare would make a point of attending some of these performances, I think all would agree greater restrictions and censorship should most certainly be arranged. Something has been done during the last few months, notably a regulation of the Liverpool Corporation, "at afternoon performances where children are admitted at a lower price, the films shown must
• A Short Account of the Origins of the University of London. By Augustus D. Waller, M.D., F.R.S., LL.D., Member of the Senate, labs Dean of the Faculty of Science, of the University of London. he first approved of as being specially suitable for children,'. but, as yet, nothing in proportion to the need. Lurid dramas of crime, revenge, and sensual passion are being reeled off remorselessly before the eyes of thousands of innocent children every week. It is vain to argue that " they do not understand," for children's perceptions and intuitions are intensely keen, and for those old enough to read, headlines crudely describe the events set forth. Leaving unmentioned the " low morale " of the French and Italian films, such a work as Tolstoy's "Resurrection," with its vivid portrayal of debauchery and lust, can hardly be considered a fitting spectacle for the young. Will not others in more authorita- tive positions consider, speak, and act for the practical remedy of this evil—for the children's sake, remembering that in the springtime is sown the seed of good or evil inspirations, which bear fruit in the deeds of generations to come?—I am, Sir, &c.,
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