American cinematographer (Feb-Dec 1922)

February 1, 1922 THE AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER 9 American Motion Pitlures Abroad (Continued from Page 3) on the screens convince the people of the world that we are of like stuff with themselves — human, red-blooded, full of desire, dissatisfaction, having constantly to fight with ourselves and with others for the permanent satisfactions of life. Some American stories are unsuited to the people abroad. Careful elimination is necessary and inevitable. Out of our wealth of motion picture material various parts must be selected for the entertainment of these other peoples. This must be done by those who know the nations and who can add the descriptions in language which is intelligible. Some resentment is expressed in China, India and South America by those who know that erroneous impressions of America are being given by certain pictures. America owes something to the peoples of these countries to interpret American democracy, and America's social and home life fairly. This rests squarely on the shoulders of the exporters of pictures. If the white race is fundamentally clean it should be presented as clean. We want no propaganda which idealizes the American people, and we want no propaganda for effect which lies. We at home understand many subjects which are heightened for effect. We are amused or tolerant. We know that the inertia of the people is broken down by super-color and thrill. This is not so of the working populations of China, India, Japan, the near East and South America. Since their customs and racial background are different they misinterpret things which are well understood by Americans. Opinion is clarifying regarding the influence of American pictures. The reports of businessmen, statesmen, reporters and missionaries are suggestive. Some of the delegates at the Washington Conference on the Limitation of Armaments have referred to the need of right interpretations of the genius of our democracy. Shall we send the melodrama? Yes. Drama? Yes. Pictures of home life? Yes. Famous stars? Yes. Discussions of poltical and social questions? Yes. Serials? Yes. Comedies? Yes. Films emphasizing respect for law and admiration for statesmen? Yes. Shall we send subtle stories that belittle womankind, representing unprincipled business, suggesting contempt for the laws, depicting license and immorality? No! The National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, through Arthur Woods, as chairman, has presented an excellent report on Americanism. This might well be followed by other reports from the same association on "principles for world helpfulness by an extention of the idea for selection of pictures for countries abroad." To be sure this is a business question — this of exportation of films. Nine-tenths of the poorer films exported have been circulated without knowledge. It has been just ignorance, but ignorance is dangerous when messages to the masses are contained in every drama. There is needed in every export business a fine American who has knowledge of the social life in certain countries. This man should have authority to use discrimination and to refuse to allow the sale or exportation of material which arouses in the minds of foreigners dis WILLIAM "DADDY" PALEY, First professional cameraman in America, and honorary member of the A. S. C. A sketch of him and his work appeared in a recent number of The American Cinematocrapher. dain and contempt for America. Equally important is the establishment at ports of entry abroad of commissions or individuals, with well formulated principles and the power to exclude. You may say that it is "twaddle" to suggest such principles to hard-headed businessmen who are seeking for a profit regardless of immediate or ultimate influences. As a matter of fact mighty few such men exist. They are creations of the imagination. When they know they are handling dynamite they become as fine an American as may be desired. It may be worth while to suggest that there are many political leaders abroad who fear rising democratic ideas. They have small use for American principles and methods. Some of these same delegates and statesmen welcome the exaggerated dramas of America because they know them to be false interpretations. This fact suggests that we must do our part as exporters and not expect that political appointees at the ports of entry abroad shall assume the entire responsibility. Am I my brother's keeper? Is this up to me? Unquestionably it becomes the responsibility shared equally by producers, actors, cameramen, exporters and those whose primary interests are divided between the motion picture and America's place in the sun.