Letter from John B. Collins to Philip Crick, Esq. Following the latter’s suggestion of a “regional repetory cinema” at recent “Federation [of Film Societies}” meeting. Following consultation, it is concluded that people will not wish to travel more than four or five miles to see a film; the importance of co-operation between film societies and schools is expressed (“I don’t want to see a minority ‘cult’ watching ‘art films’ […] I want our members to learn to like RIO BRAVO rather than learn to like BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN [and to] see for themselves why RIO BRAVO is a better film than STRANGE INCIDENT”); invitation to give talk on Kurosawa after next meeting and screening of TORA NO O; further elaboration on the existence and necessary re-orientation of film societies and their (“predominantly middle-class […] alienated”) audience […] concluding that [Film Societies] concentrate on films with complex scripts and foreign dialogue”; the general public should appreciate good films in ordinary cinemas; for the following Fedration AGM, two proposals will be submitted: 1. a survey of the value and function of Member Societies as first stage of re-orientation and 2. an investigation of the location of grants or subsidies.
Tag: John Collins
Letter from Philip Crick to Mr. Collins. Given Guilford as a central repertory cinema [“linked to the municipality and the film society”], and “an age where so many have cars” ten or 15 miles might be travelled to see a film; the impact of television might spell a shift in demand in “ordinary cinemas”, which might then restructure to project “intelligent cinema” in a place where people can “meet, eat, drink, talk, discuss, ideally.”; the Federation must be prodded further than being content with “hard-seat-church-hall-coffee-at-sixpence-a-time-culture”; Collins’ two proposals are part of five that will be pushed “from the floor” at the next AGM; the motives of membership forming a necessary “hard-core” are discussed at length.
Letter from John Collins to Philip Crick, Esq, thanking him for his notes about the National Film Study Centre; practically: no Centre without a Premises in place/ no funding without a Centre already in place; five thoughts on the Premises: 1. should be subscription-based, 2. not only open during working hours; 3. description of physical make-up 4. centrally located, 5. hiring of Premises also possible; request for a specimen of titles to be screened; further comments to points made by Crick, including the take-over of Federations “FILM” magazine; the centre could act as mediator between various film organisations; closing comments on a selection of films not/worthy of screening.
Circular, hand-marked “Top Secret” and “Confidential”, from Philip Crick to John (one of 4 recipients noted at end: Ray Wills, David Moore, John Collins, Rosemary Heaword), stating the intention to develop “a new magazine of serious film criticism and evaluation” with Bob Cobbing; the appearance of the first number will depend on goodwill of authors; whether John has interest in writing one of nine suggestions for possible articles; additional note promises reply to N156NT/1965/Cinema 65/012
Letter from Philip Crick to John. All of his ideas for the Study Centre should be raised at Cobbing’s current screenings; a leaflet has been made and circulated there, and given enough response, a meeting can be called to discuss; campaign is needed before premises; FILM is untouchable, and no support should be expected of the Federation.
Circular from Philip Crick declaring a meeting at BETTERBOOKS, on August 25th, of those who have shown interest in a magazine associated with Cinema 65; submissions welcome.
Letter from John Collins to Philip Crick, Esq, organising “Guildford projector” for Gryphon Films screening; various travel options added by hand in green ink; inquiring after progress with BONHEUR.
Circular from Philip Crick declaring a meeting at BETTERBOOKZ paperback dept, on October 14th, of those who are directly concerned with the magazine associated with CINEMA 65; submissions still welcome; annotation, inquiring after progress with Le Bonheur.
“The Companies Act, 1948. Company Limited by Shares. Memorandum and Articles of Association of Boooooks and Eventures Limited” No. 922340. “Share capital of the company is £100 divided into 100 shares of £1 each” Signed by Jennifer Pike and Robert Walter Cobbing.
Letter from Bircham & Co. informing Messrs. Trevor Reid & Co. that their clients have still not removed their effects nor returned keys to 80 Long Acre, and are continuing to work on the premises. If addresses clients proceed, locks will be changed.