We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
Otto Preminger Calls His Film Fiction and Faithful
ADVISE AND CONSENT
catures of FBI operatives, after blocking the doorways for the purpose of protecting the Vice-President now become President of the United States, have word sent to him of the death of the President. The roll call on confirmation of the nominee for Secretary of State is proceeding to a conclusion. The vote is a tie. He as presiding officer withholds his vote. The nomination is rejected. Then he bangs the gavel and steps down and says to the Majority Leader, "I prefer to name my own Secretary of State." Thus ends the picture on a selfish note. This is in sharp contrast with the book.
Incidentally, although many scenes for the film were made in Washington and in the Capitol, on the roll call vote Senators voted "Yes" and "No". Were you to sit in the Senate Gallery and listen to scores or hundreds of roll calls, you would never hear the words "Yes". You would hear "Yea" and "Nay".
In addition, I have other criticisms, but this letter is unduly long. Furthermore, I do not claim to be a drama critic. Am simply expressing my personal views.
(Continued from Page 10)
Senators to a preview of the film. Word soon leaked to the press that some of the honored guests felt the picture portrayed the Senate and even the White House in an unfavorable light. Sen. Stephen M. Young of Ohio was quoted as expressing the view that it will present a damaging image of the U.S. in foreign countries. The bald and bold producerdirector retorted that his film is fiction and a faithful adaptation of the novel.
Seeking to learn whether Preminger has stirred up a hornet's nest or a timely tempest in a teapot, Film BULLETIN asked Senator Young and several key members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to detail their reactions to Advise and Consent. Their replies are on these pages.
May I add, I hope I am wrong in my view that people who see the film both here and abroad are likely to have an unfavorable and distorted impression of American public life and of our Senators who in reality are not selfish individuals.
It is my view that if in fact a book is filmed and the title of the book used, the film should be as authentic as possible.
$ $ $
Issue of Free Speech
SENATOR J. W. FULBRIGHT
I have not seen this film, so I am unable to answer your questions concerning it. Since the film was produced by a private company and no Government funds were involved, I would want to make clear that any opinion I might express would be personal.
I am aware, of course, of the general criticism concerning the quality of American films sent abroad. It must be kept in mind, however, that Government regulation of the content or distribution of films would be contrary to our constitutional safeguards of free speech. Regulation, therefore, must be voluntary within the industry, and I hope this responsibility will not be taken lightly.
Film BULLETIN May 14. 1962 Page 11