(1) To institute an inquiry into the physical, social, educational,
and moral influences of the cinema, with special reference to
young people.
(2) The present position and future development of the cinematograph,
with special reference to social and educational value and
possibilities.
(3) To investigate the nature and extent of the complaints which have
been made against the cinematograph exhibitions.
(4) To report to the National Council the evidence taken, together
with its findings and recommendations.
The Cinema Commission commenced its labours on January 8, 1917, and
terminated on July 9, 1917. Forty-three witnesses were examined,
representing the different interests in the country. In addition to the
time taken up for the hearing of these witnesses, sittings were held
at a private theatre for the inspection of the films complained of. It
also extensively visited cinema halls in the course of its labours.
The headings for discussion were:--The standard of judgment, Special
consideration regarding the cinema as a place of amusement, The moral
dangers of darkness, The character of the film, Need of a stricter
censorship, Special claims of children, Special inquiry regarding the
influence of the picture house upon children, Juvenile crime, Replies
of chief constables, Ideas of life and conduct, Special provision
for the young, The value of the picture house, The cinema as a
counter-attraction to the public-house.
The Commission also adopted the roll of educational expert, carrying
out a number of psychological experiments.
(1) The durability of cinema impressions on school children;
(2) Mental fatigue caused by instruction by means of the cinema;
(3) Tests of education by cinematographical methods, in comparison
with the ordinary method of instruction;
(4) In which direction the most fruitful and permanent results could
be obtained by the cinema;
(5) The possibility of the cinema in cultivating an æsthetic
appreciation;
(6) The most advantageous way of correlating the work of the school
with that of the cinema, and the most economical method of using
the cinema for this purpose;
(7) The collection of evidence with regard to experiments which
have already been carried out effectively by using the cinema
for educational purposes;
(8) The best methods of producing suitable films for school purposes.
This report is exhaustive and is the findings of laborous sittings,
full of material treating upon the cinema question from all possible
sides. The debates have been carried out by representatives of every
section of the community; the decisions are unbiassed, full of truth,
suggestions, and remedies.