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A Cage of Nightingales

This film is worth seeing. It's not light entertainment, but it's got something. You've guessed it—there's a moral

This film points out how much influence a human being (this time in the guise of a schoolmaster) can have for good or for bad upon the younger generation. It points out that inhuman persons tend to make the subject of oppression harsh and cruel (witness German youth), while the humanist tends to give them confidence, a sense of happiness, yet also have complete discipline.

Music as a means of moulding together the rebellious may seem strange, but there is no doubt that in all mankind, however base, somewhere there lurks a sense that is deeply affected by music (it depends upon the type of music whether it stimulates hatred or provokes calm).

The film itself. Well the photography is not up to the usual French standard and this is a pity. We should then give more credit to the cators for making it so impressive and forceful.

The plot is not unusual. The girl, the book, the author, with the usual flash-back into the book and then the happy ending, with the reformatory choir at the wedding ceremony. Another weakness is the English sound-track. As the French speak much more rapidly than we, the English is simply gabbled out. Also the English voices do not fit the French characters and thus the film again loses some of its go.

We must praise the naturalness of Noel-Noel and Michelin Francey (in particular) and the boys (in general). It shows the acting capability of the French and it knocks many of the famous (or is it infamous) American actors and actresses into a cocked hat.

Every humanist should see this film, and if they feel no better for it then my advice is go again. If unsuccessful then—well, you're not human.

Another portion of the programme is "Within the Sound of Big Ben," introducing London. 1948. Most amusing and excellent topical subject. Should interest ex-servicemen who know London.