Let’s go to the talkies : cinemagoing and Maltese society in the post-war period (1945–1970)

Abstract

This dissertation considers the cinema as a prominent social institution that played an important part in Malta’s community life. It also shows that during the period under review, the concept of cinemagoing went beyond the screening of films, as people considered this activity an opportunity to meet and interact with others both inside and outside the cinema space. The cinema modified the leisure habits of many cinemagoers and influenced their lifestyle, attitudes, and behaviours. This study suggests that the rapid social changes inspired by the cinema were not accepted by everyone. Various groups and individuals often objected to the screening of certain films, bringing film censorship on the forefront of a continuous power-play between conservative and progressive discourses. The dissertation is divided into seven chapters. The introduction presents the research question, a review of existing literature, and a rationale behind the methodology adopted. Chapter two consists of an overview of the cinema industry in Malta and how it developed throughout the years. Chapter three discusses the major reasons that contributed to the cinema’s mass appeal. This chapter also explores the cinema audience and what motivated the Maltese to visit the cinema so frequently. The fourth chapter deals with the cinema space, the audience’s behaviour and social interactions inside the cinema, and the relationship between literacy and cinemagoing. Chapter five examines the role performed by the State, the Church, and other groups and individuals in respect to cinemagoing. It explores how censorship operated in Malta and how the Maltese reacted to this authoritarian system. The sixth chapter discusses different ways of how cinema influenced Maltese people and society, both individually and collectively. This chapter presents an analysis of how different social trends were infiltrated into Maltese society through cinema. The seventh chapter presents the research conclusion. The purpose of this study is essentially an effort to understand the historical and social context of cinemagoing in Malta. It sets out an analysis of the social aspect of cinemagoing for discussion and further research.