asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures whether he is aware that a film has been made recently which is to form portion of the series known as the "March of Times," and entitled "Neutral Ireland," and if he can state (a) the nationality of the person or persons responsible for the making of such film; (b) what facilities were given to such persons; (c) whether he has any information of the subjects chosen for such film, and, if so, whether he will indicate such subjects; (d) whether such subjects and the manner in which they are being presented are considered to be true and suitable portraits of the life of the country, and, if not, whether he will indicate what action he proposes to take to ensure that social life in our capital city is not being misrepresented abroad through faked film subjects.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Film.
I am aware that a film such as the Deputy describes is being made. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, "March of Time" is an American company which has produced documentary films dealing with life and events in many countries, including our own. On this occasion permission was asked through our Legation in Washington for the making of a documentary film on present-day Ireland, our Minister there being assured by "March of Time" that both the photography and commentary would be entirely objective. Permission was, accordingly, given, and two representatives are now in this country. Although I have no official knowledge of the subjects filmed, I understand that "shots" have been taken such as Army, Marine Service, A.R.P., and fire fighting exercises, Maynooth College, the G.A.A. finals, the Oireachtas reception, the export of live stock, the shipping of bloodstock to Spain and Portugal, social functions, fairs, etc.
With regard to the last part of the question, the Deputy presumably refers to the resentment created by the manner in which the taking of certain "shots" was arranged by the "March of Time" representatives at a social function in Dublin. This matter was taken up with them, and I understand that as well as repeating the assurance that the film shown will be entirely objective, an undertaking has been given that the "shots" objected to will not be used. I should add that the film is not in any sense official, and that outside of security considerations there is no control of, or interference with, the "March of Time" representative here.
Am I to take it that the negative of the "shots" taken at a social function in Dublin—the particular part of the film to which objection was taken—will not be permitted to leave?
It will not be used; an assurance has been given that it will not be used.
Are we to understand that this particular film is a true and suitable portrait of the life of the country? If a "shot" has been taken of some social function in Dublin, and if it does disclose a true and suitable portrait of the life of the country, why will it not be used, or is it the Minister's intention to keep us all in glass houses?
The Minister, I am sure, is aware that the particular part of the film that I take exception to, and that other people have taken exception to, was the part that was staged and did not represent any portion of the function that took place?
I agree with the Deputy.
It is an objectionable feature, and it ought not to be presented.
Quite so.