Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

Julv 22, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 17 Framers of Constitution Hear Quigley Plea for Free Screen Pettijohn Also Speaker at Hearing in Missouri The Proposal The proposal made by A. A. Speer to the Constitutional Convention in Missouri that the state constitution be amended so that motion pictures will be included in that section granting freedom of speech and press reads: Resolved that the following shall become a part of the constitution of Missouri: It is proposed that Section 14, Article 2 of the constitution of Missouri be hereby amended to read as follows: "Freedom of speech, press, motion picture screen — libel, truth in justification — duty of jury. — That no law shall be passed impairing the freedom of speech: that every person shall be free to say, write or publish either by the written or printed word, or by pictures, in motion or otherwise, on any subject whatever, being responsible for all abuse of that liberty; and that in all suits and prosecutions for libel the truth thereof may be given in evidence, and the jury under the direction of the court, shall determine the law and the facts." Child Star Succumbs To Bronchitis Attack (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LYXBROOK, L. I., July 11.— Bobby Connelly, thirteen years old, well known child actor died at the home of his parents here of acute bronchitis. He had been ill several months. Some of the pictures in which he has appeared are "Humoresque," The Good Provider," "The Old Oaken Bucket" and more recently "Wild Youth," as yet unpublished. Newspictures Subject To Censor Court Rules (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ALBANY, X. Y., July 11.— In a decision handed down here the Appellate Division of the Supreme court ruled that the state motion picture commission has the right to censor news reels of current events. The matter was brought to court by Pathe Exchange for the purpose of determining the commission's right in the matter. Miller Under Knife (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, July 11.— Roy Miller, associate manager of the California and Miller theatres, is at the Clara Barton hospital, following an operation. Delegates Favorably Impressed by Arguments Put Forward by Two Authorities (Special to Exhibitors Herald) JEFFERSON CITY, MO., July 11.— A hearing on the proposal to include motion pictures in that section of the Missouri constitution which safeguards the freedom of speech and the press was held last Friday before the Bill of Rights Committee of the Constitutional Convention. Martin J. Quigley, publisher and editor of the HERALD, in a straightfrom-the-shoulder talk presented clearly and concisely his reasons for urging adoption of the amendment by delegates writing the new state document. Accompanying the editor to Jefferson City was Charles C. Fettijohn, special assistant of Will H. Hays, who also addressed the committee. Little Antagonism Toward Proposal Revealed A survey among members of the convention found them favorably impressed with the comments of Mr. Quigley and Mr. Pettijohn, and in a receptive mood for friendly action on the amendment. Manv pertinent facts concerning censorship were brought out by the speakers in their addresses and in their answers to queries from convention delegates. Throughout the hearing very little antagonism toward the proposal was revealed. The proposal, scheduled as No. 135 was offered to the convention by A. A. Speer. Lauding the framers of the new constitution for their thoughtful consideration of this proposal which represents "a bold, courageous and pioneering effort," Mr. Quigley emphasized that he was not urging adoption of the amendment "because of any possible benefit that may accrue to the motion picture industry" but because approval of it would protect the public of Missouri. Proposal Courageous Effort The publisher drew a parallel between the problem which confronted the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the delegates who are now endeavoring to write a new document for this state. He said: "This proposal represents a bold, courageous and pioneering effort for no reason other than those which thrilled with apprehension and expectancy the signers of the American Declaration of Independence because these men had no fear that they were not doing the right thing; but those men knew they were not taking the easiest course, they knew they were doing a thing that was revolutionary, but necessarv, something that for the progress of "humanity in the Western world had to come one day but certainly they have felt not a little awed and rebellious that the emergency in which they had to take action was thrust upon them and did not fall to the lot of some succeeding generation. "Therefore, let us dismiss any possible timidity that may exist in facing this issue; let us determine that the only considerations that shall sway us are those concerned with the right, equity, fairness and utility of this proposal." Sums Up Arguments In summing up his talk, Mr. Quigley declared that he was urging adoption of the amendment because public interest demanded that motion pictures be kept free from sinister control; because it is the fair and equitable thing to do; because it will bring prestige to Missouri; because the same action would have been taken when the original constitution was written had motion pictures existed, and because it is entirely within the spirit of the fundamental American principle of free speech, free press and free pulpit. Mr. Pettijohn before entering into a discussion of the proposal sketched a history of the motion picture industry — its progress and complete divorcement from the early days of the one and two reel thrillers. He told of the cooperation effected between the industry and the public — more especially the women. He lauded the women for their efforts in creating a public taste for a higher standard of motion picture. Entering his discussion of the subject, Mr. Pettijohn said: Charles C. Pettijohn Talks "There was never a time in the history of America when we needed more smiles, more love, more sunshine, more laughter, more ambition, more optimism, more happiness and contentment in our social and business life. "That is my creed and that is the creed of the moving picture industry. This is no time for gloom, tears, pessimism, assassination of character, suspicion, hatred or discontentment. We have no part in that drama at all. We leave this creed for those who do not believe in our sincerity of purpose. Those are the things (Continued on page 19)