The distribution of films, a most important part of the film industry, unfortunately received rather a set-back during 1925 owing to the general disturbance of the country, The market is very sensi tive and reacts quickly to troubles, but it is difficult to understand why the cinema should fail to draw satisfactorily because of wars, etc. Two explanations seem sible; firstly, that the Chinese are afraid to congregate in crowds through fear of press-gang operating, and, secondly, possibly the buying power is affected and there is little money to spend on entertainment. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that the cinema market rapidly feels the difference between peace and war, Naturally the South felt it most and went almost entirely out of the market. But things were none too brilliant in the North. The principal exhibiting centres are Shanghai, Hankow, Tientsin, Hongkong, Peking, Harbin, and Canton, about in that order, but films go right up into Szechuan and there are "picture palaces" even in Changsha and Chengtu. But of the 100 odd theatres in China, over 25 per cent. are in Shanghai.
Shanghai patrons (foreigners) some times voice a complaint that Yew really Grst-class films are brought out and shown here. This is hardly justified by facts, because very many of the finest films made have come to Shanghai in record time, Frequently these films are here before they are released in large European cities, and it_ must be borne in mind that these are original prints, brand new. It is a fact that film-importers are making very great efforts to provide Shanghai with the best films made, and if Shanghai wants to continue having them it is very necessary these films be supported, as such films are naturally very expensive.
Two points are worth mentioning. Firstly, that exhibitors state that the public frequently miss the first perform: ances and rush to the subsequent ones, but also many miss the picture entirely because they are tied up with social en-fagements which commence so late that there is no time to go to the pictures after dinner. In Europe and America dinner hours are earlier and there is plenty of time to go toa show. On the other hand, patrons are frequently annoyed by films being badly shown, over-advertised, and accompanied by very poor music. Fortunately this only applies in a few instances but it is a real pity these few instances occur as they are apt to discourage attendance, Chinese actors are now being specially, trained for camera-work, and there are schools for imparting the art of panto: mime acting which will doubtless make their influence felt in due course.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.