Fifteen Million Theatergoers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 21, 1911

Fifteen Million Theatergoers

According to the report of the New York State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the moving-picture show has created fifteen million new theatergoers in the United States during the last year. By far the large majority of these are children. This report describes the deplorable influence which many of the exhibitions have on the morals of children as revealed in connection with the workings of some of the New York City courts. Thirty-two men who conducted places of this kind, and admitted children to them contrary to law, have been convicted and sent to prison. The United Presbyterian of Nov. 23, 1911, to which we are indebted for this information, adds, “All over the country these pest-spreading agencies are doing their work.”

It is to be deplored that in too many instances these agencies of evil are patronized and supported and even defended by Christian people. This is done, we are forced to conclude, because these people are not cognizant of the real evil influences which attend these exhibitions. As to the character of the influence that they exert upon our young men and women, and our boys and girls, ignorance can no longer be a virtue on the part of the guardians of the flock. Parents and Christian teachers instead of condoning these evils, should be among the first to raise against them a cry of warning, in an effort to save the youth from their pernicious influence.