Length of Films

168. Most feature films last about one and a half hours. We may call these full-length films. Films lasting only 15-30 minutes are called shorts in professional language (a short) and simply short films by the general public.

Translating серия

There is no English equivalent for this word as applied to films. English films are not classified in this way, although some are naturally longer than others.

Series should on no account be used, as this means several, a succession.

Part is better, but not entirely satisfactory, as it suggests that each серия has a certain artistic unity, like an act in a play or opera. It is not associated primarily with time, and a part may be any length.

There is no solution but to say, for example:

e.g. a. – How long is it? Сколько серий?

- The usual length/average length. (1 серия)

Or: - Longer than usual/average. 2 серии.

b. It’s a long film.

Long - drawn-out is used in the sense of растянутый.

e.g. It’s a very long-drawn-out film.

Films for Different Age-Groups

169. In Britain, films are classified according to their suitability for children or adults by the BRITISH BOARD OF FILM SENSORS, which gives each film a certain certificate.

a U film

This is one with a U certificate, which means that it is considered for all age groups. U probably stands for universal.

an A film

This has an A certificate, which means that it is considered suitable mainnly for adults. However, children may be admitted if accompanied by an adult.

an X film

An X certificate means that the film is considered to be definitely unsuitable for children (under 18), and they are not admitted, even with an adult. The significance of the letter X is that of something exceptional, forbidden.

The letters U, A or X appear in brackets after the name of the film.

e.g. OLIVER (U)

In addition to the above types of certificate, the following were introduced later:

AA, called double A

a double A certificate/film

This denotes a film not for children under 14, even if accompanied by an adult.

XX, called double X

a double X certificate/film

This is used in America to denote a film not for young people under 21.

Readers should bear in mind that most English people have only a very general idea of this system of certificates except for teenagers who are affected by the restrictions. In addition it is practically impossible to enforce these restrictions strictly, since the cashier who sells tickets has no means of checking a person's age, and can therefore only judge by appearances.

Types of Cinema

170. The following expressions are used to denote different types of cinema:

City cinema

Central cinema

West End cinema

a cinema in the West End of London, that is the western part of the centre, where most of the central London cinemas are concentrated (See also unit 90.)

Suburban cinema

This can be used of a cinema outside the centre in Soviet towns. (See unit 328.) In Britain, however, it is practically obsolete, since nearly all suburban cinemas have closed as a result of the decline in audience numbers.

Local cinema

the cinema nearest one's home

e.g. I usually wait till films come round to my local cinema.

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