Mr Ferman was a moralist but he was aware that the movie business sought a smooth passage for its expensive products.

ECONOMIST: James Ferman

This enthusiasm for Romania's maritime and logistical development is shared by the country's continental partners keen to facilitate the smooth passage of goods across Europe's frontiers and beyond.

CNN: Is Danube Romania's 'blue motorway' to prosperity?

Then peers turn to the Public Service Pensions Bill - a measure which makes big and painful changes, but which has had a surprisingly smooth passage through parliament.

BBC: Week ahead

The roasting must be even, and the grinding process must be finely calibrated so that the resulting coffee allows smooth passage of the hot water that extracts the flavour.

ECONOMIST: Espresso coffee

Caution does not guarantee smooth passage.

ECONOMIST: Reforming Brazil

Advocates claim it would discipline the wilder fringes in both camps and smooth the passage of reform legislation in both houses of parliament.

ECONOMIST: A grand-coalition cure for Germany?

One explanation is that dual stewardship can smooth the passage of a merger by giving bosses from both sides a say in running the fused business.

ECONOMIST: Schumpeter