The Cinema - Its Present Position and Future Possibilities – First Edition - 1917

Being the Report of and Chief Evidence Taken by the Cinema Commission of Inquiry Instituted by the National Council of Public Morals.

London: Williams and Norgate, 1917. First edition. English language. Octavo. xciii, 372 pages. Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering.
An early documentary source on cinema and its place in society, bringing together the Commission’s report, witness testimony and supporting appendices. Subjects include film censorship, children’s education, juvenile delinquency, cinema lighting and eye strain, musical accompaniment, and the organisation of the film industry.

The witnesses include filmmaker Cecil Hepworth, representatives of the British Board of Film Censors, educators, clergy, police officers and schoolchildren. The appendices include international censorship regulations and responses from British chief constables.

Condition: Age-toning and scattered spotting to the pages, with occasional pencil markings visible in the contents. Cloth shows soiling, rubbing and fading, particularly pronounced on the spine. Corners and spine ends are bumped and worn, with fraying, tears and small losses to the cloth at the head and foot of the spine. No dust jacket. Please examine the photographs for details of condition.