The Need for Film Criticism

There are very few critics such as Gordon Mirams whose views reach the public. Consequently the average person chooses his film by reading and reacting emotionally to, the advertising blurb Inserted in the press by the manager of the exhibiting theatre. Through lack of reviewers, important films such as The Ox Box Incident have sometimes been shown in out-of-the-way minor theatres. Very few people seemed to realise that criticism is an intellectual laxative.

There is educational value in a poor film if critical attitude has been held towards it. Some people do not see the value that can be derived from taking children to an extremely poor picture. The value lies in the discussion which could follow. As long as they have been made to think about the film the visit is justified. There is more value in having a child give his reasons why he considered a film poor, than in having him say a picture was "good" and thinking no more about it.

Such films as Tobacco Road, Grapes of Wrath. The Ox Box Incident, and Love on the Dole, are important mainly because they are such a contrast to the usual fare.

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As the writer of this article has thought fit to provide us with a miniature thesis It will have to be printed in serial form. This will be done if some of our readers express interest.—Ed.