FilmIndia (1939)

I HE TELLS UNCLE SAM! Baburao Patel, "Million Dollar Personality," Wins Universal Support In New York By Louis Ogull, Staff Correspondent, News Press Service. NEW YORK, Sept. 14. The smug serenity which has marked Hollywood's production of motion pictures slandering the Indian people has already been shattered by Baburao Patel, editor of Tilmindia' and President of the Film Journalists' Association of I India, during his brief stay here. Following up his gala reception by the press upon his arrival on August 28, Mr. Patel has smashed through the armour of indifference and complacency of local studio executives and has also won the support of the Hays office and of Nathan Golden, Chief of the Motion Picture Division and of the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Million -Dollar Personality" Because of the general upset conditions resulting from the European War it was not expected that the mission for which Patel has journeyed to America would receive the attention it so strongly merits. However, Patel's "million dollar personality," a term unanimously bestowed upon the Indian journalist by the American reporters, has surmounted this seemingly insurmountable obstacle and is paving the path toward ultimate success in Hollywood. The unprecedented visit to this country of a prominent Indian I figure to protest against unjust and unwarranted productions deal ; lng with Indian themes, such as "Gunga Din," has taken the film world by storm and is opening the i eyes of sympathetic Americans to the true situation. Patel's invasion of "the enemy camp" the successful manner in which he is tell ing the different studios "where they get off" is raising the estimation of India in the eyes of all who come in contact with him or who read about the purpose for which he is here. India Fights Back The American people are known for their quick support for the underdog in any situation. For that reason they relish the idea of a spokesman for India coming to these shores to state her case. The fact that such a visit has been made for the first time in the history of the motion picture industry, and by such a personable figure as Patel, is certain to drive home to the American mind the full seriousness of India's rising indignation against defamatory films. It appeals to the American senst: of justice and fair play to support; Patel's mission. For India is struggling for independence and needs the sympathetic understanding of \ WHAT THE AMERICAN 1 PRESS SAID! NEW YORK TIMES: "Mr. Patel is in this city to protest against the un ! [ sympathetic treatment ac; corded to the Indians in ; several recent pictures." ; NEW YORK POST: • "The main point in Mr. ', Patel's mission is to win ! ; the assurance of Holly \ wocd executives that Indian advisers will be consuited during the filming ', ■ of productions with Indian ] themes." ; DAILY WORKER: "Let us hope that Mr. I Patel's presence in America 1 [ will mark the beginning of ] a new epoch of decent films about India." the nations of the world to effectively achieve this goal. Motion pictures depicting the true India can be invaluable propaganda. So when India fights back on this score America applauds. Patel Honoured at World's Fair The Indian spokesman has been following such a crowded working-day schedule that he was unable to pay a visit to the spectacular World's Fair on Long Island until September 7, ten days after he landed here on the "Normandie." On that day he was the honoured guest at Projectionist Day exercises held in the Special Events Building. The genial film journalist of India was greeted at the Fair by Nathan D. Golden, Chief of the Motion Picture Division of the U.S. Department ot Commerce. Mr. Golden informed Mr. Patei that he would be happy to aid the Indian people in their agitation against slanderous films by issuing an official memorandum to the Hollywood studios. He was obviously impressed with Mr. Patel's concise and straightforward presentation of India's complaint and, after reading the letter sent to Mr. Patel by Lord Zetland, Secretary of State for India, promised to use his good offices to halt further offensive productions. Hays Office Lends Respectful Ear Major Frederick L. Herron, head of the Foreign Department for the Will Hays Office, met Mr. Patel for a conference that lasted more than two hours. The Major expressed regrets that Mr. Hays was out of town but hoped that he would be in Hollywood when Mr. Patel arrives there. He listened respectfully to Mr. Patel's word picture of India's indignant and properly resentful attitude towards distortions of her culture and traditions in Hollywood films and admitted that India's position was entirely correct. He, too, promised his cooperation to rectify this situation and notified the Hollywood office to see that Mr. Patel conveys his legitimate complaint to the leading producers there. Motoring to Hollywood Having completed his programme in New York. Mr. Patel leaves today by motor to Hollywood in order to continue his propaganda in key cities en route. Another meeting has been arranged for Mr. Patel in Hollywood. His pleasing personality has won for India a host of new friends, and even the representatives of film companies, like Warners, R.K.O.. 20th Century-Fox, Paramount, and Republic have told him they hope he will come back to the States again in the not too distant future. 19