XN000022-1973-05-02 — Page 3

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Wednesday, May 2, 1973

He pointed out that "what may seem relatively harmless by western

standards can be objectionable to Chinese audiences, and vice versa."

"Each film should be considered as a whole when judging the

possible effects of individual scenes or items of commentary," Mr. Watt said.

On the question of screen violence, the guidance notes state

that it is generally undesirable to release films showing an excessive

amount of calculated and realistic violence or depravity, in ways likely

to encourage impressionable youth to identify with, and imitate, tough

or sadistic characters on the screen.

In this respect, films are likely to be cut or banned if they:

demonstrate techniques of crime so as to invite imitation;

offer incitement to crime, violence, or anti-social behaviour;

deride or otherwise discredit the law and its enforcement, or significant social institutions; or

display in unnecessary detail, or at unnecessary length, any form of violence or brutality.

The Commissioner also introduced his panel of nine new film

censors and television monitors, of whom seven are aged 30 or under.

He expressed the hope that this young and academically well qualified team

would bring a balanced interpretation and new ideas to bear on the

problems of film censorship and television standards.

Note to Editors:

A more detailed statement on the censorship guidelines is distributed separately in the GIS Press Boxes tonight.

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