Rock and Roll movies

Letter sent to town clerks of boroughs responsible for licensing films for public viewing from the Association of Municipal Corporations, 30th November 1956 (HO 300/6)

The Association was the group which looked after the interests of local government.

Transcript

Association of Municipal Corporations

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Sir,

Following a conversation with the President and Secretary of the British Board of Film Censors, the latter has kindly undertaken to let me know about films containing “Rock ‘n’ Roll” sequences. The following is an extract from a letter which I have received from him-:

“I am now able to tell you that we have examined two other films in this category entitled SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROCK (Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors) and ROCK. ROCK, ROCK (Warner Bros.) and that as, like ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK, the appeared to family entertainment of a harmless character, they have been placed in the “U” category.

Though these films presented no censorship problem which would have justified the board in taking any other action, we thought that, as the first mentioned film led in some places to an explosion of high spirits and even rowdiness among the young audience, we ought to let you know in case you think it desirable to send any information or advice to local authorities about these two new films.

I should perhaps add that the trouble caused by the first film was strictly limited in extent and was no doubt aggravated by the press publicity given to it. We are informed that the film was shown in 415 towns without any incident whatever. In these circumstances it may be that the interest displayed in this form of rhythm and the excitement aroused by it have subsided and that any action likely to attract undesirable publicity would do more harm than good. We have no doubt that local authorities will bear these considerations well in mind.”

I am passing this information on to you for your personal information and have no doubt that you will make known to your cinema licensing committee as much of it as seems to you desirable.

I would particularly draw your attention to the last paragraph of the letter, I believe that the film “Rock Around the Clock” was shown in quite a large number of cinemas without incident, and that it was only after press publicity had been given to disturbances at one or two cinemas that trouble began to spread. It may very well be that licensing authorities will prefer to watch the public reaction to these films before they take any drastic steps in relation to them.

Yours faithfully

G. H. Banwell
Secretary

The Town Clerk,

(Boroughs which are licensing authorities for cinematograph performances)

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