Walter Tanner
Walter Tanner | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Chief Censor of New Zealand | |
| In office 1927–1938 | |
| Preceded by | William Jolliffe |
| Succeeded by | W. A. von Keisenberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Walter Alfred Tanner 1878 Northampton, England |
| Died | 17 July 1958 (aged 79–80) Wellington, New Zealand |
Walter Alfred Tanner (1878 – 14 July 1958) was New Zealand's second Chief Censor of Films from 1927 to 1938. He was born in Northampton, England, the son of William Tanner, Member of Parliament for the Heathcote and Avon electorates in Christchurch, and Emily E. Browett. He married Laura Matilda Maude Torckler in 1907. They had one son and one daughter. He died in Wellington aged 79.
Tanner worked for the Customs Department censoring publications for seditious content before becoming Chief Censor William Jolliffe's assistant censor of cinematograph films in 1924. On Jolliffe's death in 1927, Tanner became New Zealand's second Chief Censor, a position he held until 1938.
Tanner’s tenure straddled the introduction of sound to motion pictures. He wrote that “the more vivid presentations of life made possible by the addition of sound and colour has made it necessary to issue an increased number of certificates recommending films as more suitable for adult audiences.” The introduction of sound also appeared to increase the number of bans. In 1930, 102 films, 3.9% of those submitted, were banned.