Question Time with Mother

From the numerous queries raised by readers of the preceding articles in this series, I culled some of the more interesting and presented them to the Censor and Registrar of Films (Mr McIntosh) for his comments. These questions, with his answers, follow below:

How is commentary deleted—does it necessitate removing a harmless accompanying image, or is it wiped and the soundtrack left blank?

In practice, both image and sound are taken (commentary is not usually "harmful" with a "harmless" image.) A lot of sound can accompany only a couple of frames of film.

Is political censorship practised in New Zealand?

As such, definitely not. If the material were offensive in itself it would be removed, but not just because of ideological reasons.

Just which films are exempt from censorship?

Scientific films (including natural history), religious, educational, medical and surgical, cultural, sporting and any other films which, in the Censor's opinion, are used mainly for education or instruction or for cultural purposes.

Why was The Blue Angel (Jannings and Dietrich version) banned? It seems pretty innocuous now.

In the audience climate of that period of the twenties, this film of a man's degradation was much stronger than anything hitherto seen. It was pretty strong meat for most film goers.

Do you think then, that audiences are becoming more discriminating In their appreciation?

Definitely, but not all, of course.

What is the Censor's attitude to nudist films?

No set one—each treated on its merits and intent of material.

Striptease sequences were cut from The World By Night on the grounds that striptease is not legal in New Zealand. Neither is drug taking or murder. Why pick on striptease then when other offensive actions are shown—even glamourised.

They were excised not or grounds of legality especially, but mainly because of intent. Anyway, in striptease performances the audience is guilty of an offence also, but not in watching murder.

Do you regard films as an art form?

Are all pictures "Art" or all writing "Literature"? Some are, some aren't!