Few prosecutions have ever been taken for such offences, and it is even doubtful whether, if they were taken, convictions would be recorded.  Some regulations (essential for this purpose) under the 1934 Amendment Act have never been gazetted; nor have any under the 1953 amendment.

Although the censor receives few specific complaints, and although film distributing and exhibiting interests state that they are complying with the spirit of the unwritten law, the following undesirable practices irritate a large section of the thinking public: 

(a) Publication of Grossly Extravagant Posters and Newspaper Advertisements in which sex and sadism are often featured.  The theatre managers concerned state most definitely that nothing more than genuine showmanship is behind this.

(b) Screening of Inappropriate Trailers on Unsuitable Occasions: By their very nature, trailers are difficult to censor adequately and, because of their origin and intent, are designed to have an exaggerated impact upon audiences.  Trailers of the worst type, however, are sometimes shown at special children’s sessions.

  (c) Mixing “A” and “U” Certificate Films: In the words of the
  exhibitors, this is done “to obtain balanced programmes”.

(d) Admitting Children and Adolescents to Films With Restricted Certificates: It is difficult for theatre managers to determine the age of their patrons, and the warning notice of restricted attendance exhibited at the theatre may have little effect.  Should the age be queried when entry is sought, an incorrect answer will probably be given.  Worst of all, perhaps, should the presence of an accompanying adolescent or adult be required, there is always the danger of undesirable strangers taking the place of a bona fide parent or friend.

(e) Misbehaviour in Theatres: Once inside a darkened theatre, children, adolescents, and undesirable persons may behave improperly and the manager may have difficulty in exercising control.

* * * * *

Appropriate steps recommended are: 

  (i) The gazetting of the outstanding regulations empowered by the
  1934 and 1953 Amendment Acts.

  (ii) The provision to the maximum extent possible of
  non-restricted or “U” programmes for children’s sessions.

(iii) The drawing of the attention of parents, repeatedly, to the fact that through the censor’s certificates they, the parents, have a reliable guide provided exclusively for their benefit and intended for their use.

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