WHAT HAS BECOME OF BRITISH FILMS?
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—I have read Miss Gertrude Kingston's articles on the film with much interest, but was disappointed to note that she did not touch on many important reasons for the present position of British films. One could sympathize more with the difficulties of competition against American films, had there been any evidence as yet that the British producers had made use of the opportunities given them, with any degree of perception, of foresight, of initiative, or of artistic judgment. One cannot recollect a British film that is in any way distinctive, save perhaps, in their way, the Betty Balfour comedies. No one can deny that England produces as good actors and actresses on the legitimate stage as any other country. Why then should the acting in the average British film be uninspired and wooden ? Why should the story drag, or move awkwardly in jerks ? Why should the sub- • titles be verbose and artificial ? Why should the general atmosphere be one of sickly inertia or facetiousness ? The British producers complain of lack of capital. Abraham Lincoln, one of the best, if not the best film which ever came out of America, cost, I believe, £200 to produce, and the cast was composed of totally unknown actors and actresses. We cannot deny that the American producers, whatever their faults, and they are many, have a sense of the film, and regard it as an art distinct from any other. British producers do not seem to have this film sense, without which no film can be a real success, and which is not dependent on money, on " stars," or on the advertisement of a famous author's name.
It is to be hoped that the Commission sitting at present will not make the mistake of seeking to improve the British film industry by barring foreign films, and substituting nondescript British films. Rather than thus lose the dis- criminating cinema audience, let us increase it by seeking to improve our own contributions to the programme. It would be interesting to hear what an experienced critic of good taste, such as your critic, Miss Iris Barry, has to say on
this subject.—I am, Sir, &c., BRITISH CINEMA GOER.
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