Year book of motion pictures (1947)

zations are, through studio courtesies, given early showings of pictures in the department projection room. They pronounce unbiased opinions which in turn they send to their membership. These reviews cover the entertainment values, social values and audience suitability of all the pictures that they see. Supplementing the lists prepared by each of the above groups for their o^vn membership, the department holds a weekly session of all these chairmen at which they unite on joint estimates which are printed on sheets titled Estimates on Current Motion Pictures and used as posters by all the public groups that the department contacts. The organizations (giving their ser\'ices without remuneration) are as follows: General Federation of Women's Clubs National Society Daughters of American Revolution American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of California California Congress of Parents and Teach ers, Inc. National Film Music Council California Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs American Association of University Women (Los .4ngeles County Branches) Los Angeles Section, National Council of Jewish Women Southern California Council of Church Women Zeta Phi Eta (National Speech Arts Fraternity for AV'omen) International Federation of Catholic Alumnae The reports of each chairman of the above organizations are submitted weekly to Fox \Vest Coast Theaters Corporation where they are compiled in a four-page printed bulletin titled Unbiased Opinions and mailed to exhibitors of that organization as well as to a large mailing list of their special contacts. (2) THE RADIO SERVICE called "What's Happening in Hollwood" involves a weekly bulletin which can be used exactly as it is, or can be modified to suit local interests. It goes (only by request) to nearly 9,000 persons who give regular or occasional broadcasts and to schools, colleges, and libraries who wish it for program material related to motion pictures. (3) LIBRARIES all over the country have discovered that the choice of books is much influenced by current pictures. Therefore, at their request, this department supplies the "Library Journal" weekly with lists of books, plays or important periods that are to be filmed. Again, more than 3.500 libraries are supplied with the "Joint Estimates" men tioned above. (4) HIGH SCHOOLS all over the country are more and more offering courses in Motion Picture Appreciation. This de ' partment is constantly preparing mimeographed articles that supply teachers with up-to-date information on pictures and technical matters such as music in the pictures, personalities of directors, artistry in pictures, etc. (5) BETTER FILMS COUNCIL and committees and picture departments exist in clubs all o\er the country. Departmental printed matter and personal correspondence goes in great quantities to such groups. Many churches also ask for the material and embody it in their bulletins. (6) STUDY CLUBS ask for specific material on motion pictures and the Department endeavors to supply it. For them, special outlines for work and many types of special bulletins are prepared. Their many cjuestions concerning their local problems are answered in the light of general experience. (7) FILM MUSIC NOTES. A ten to twelvepage bulletin, published monthly under the co-editorship of Grace Widney Mabee and Constance Purdy of the National Film Music Council, which also assists in gathering material and setting up interviews with the Hollywood composers. (8) Assistance is given to a number of magazine representatives conducting motior picture pages: to Mrs. Leo B. Hedges fc the National Parent-Teacher Magazint to Laura \'ruwink, .Associate Motion Picture Editor of Parent Magazine; to Good Housekeeping; to Cameo, Journal of Zeta Phi Eta (national speech fraternity) and others. (9) The department also maintains lists of people over the country to whom the individual bulletins are sent by the studios concerning films with definite interest. It also provides speakers for many meetings every year. Cotnmtmity Service Department THE Community Service Department provides information and assistance to civic, cultural and educational community leaders who are interested in directing the attention of the public to the finest current motion pictures presented in theaters. The department also assists theater managers to adjust their entertainment programs to the needs of the entire family. Among the activities that have the active cooperation of the department are the following: JVeii; York Previewing Committee PRE\'IE\V'ING facilities are maintained in New York wkh the cooperation of the member companies of the Association for the S22