The All-British Film It was inevitable that it should take
some-time for tie British ffim industry, even under the-stimulus of the Cine- matograph Films Act, to gain experience and make head- way against the entrenched- position of the Hollywood invaders. But to-day it is making rapid and confident progress. The measure of this is shown in a statement by Mr. Simon Rowson, of the Gaumont-British Picture Cor- poration, who says that 500 British feature 'films have been registered at a production cost of between £6,000,000 and £7,000,000, and that instead of the statutory quota of 12/ per cent. British exhibitors have screened 17.83 per cent. of British films. It is not in the least likely that the industry will stop there. It has now acquired a technical skill certainly not inferior to that of Hollywood. , It is increasingly gathering round its studios actors and actresses of high accomplishment. It is gradually re- leasing itself from the tendency-to imitate the all-too- familiar tricks dear to the hearts of Ameriean producers, and it is giving us, not only a pure English accent, but English sentiment and English humour. -Within limits we shall always welcome the exhibition of foreign films in Britain. Cinematography is and ought to be international in its appeal. German films are deservedly increasing in popularity in this country, and our industry means to increase its own exports. But Hollywood has exercised a wholly excessive influence throughout the world, and all too often has abused its opportunity.
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