Film and Radio Guide (Oct 1945-Jun 1946)

26 FILM AND RADIO GUIDE Just as in any other art, almost any entertainment film that is any good must be propaganda for something, and must have a point of view. The Protestant Film Commission is interested in seeing that the points of view taken by Hollywood films are constructive, and that the attitudes which these films instill make for the betterment of human life. We are interested in seeing that in a medium which is perhaps the greatest American art, recognized standards of art are increasingly applied. The application of such standards is not inconsistent with box-office considerations. Hollywood is continually looking for a “formula” to increase its boxoffice returns. Many of the formulas of the past have proved very unreliable indeed. We believe that the application to entertainment films of standards of art and ethics is just that formula for which Hollywood has been looking. Coupled with intelligent promotion, we believe that the application of such standards is the surest method which has yet been devised for insuring box-office returns. We are tremendously impressed with entertainment films which dramatically and entertainingly promote constructive ends, and influence for the better the attitudes and behavior of millions. We believe that Hollywood has performed an impressive service in the production of such films as Hotv Green ITfl.s My Valley, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, and in the production of religious films such as Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary’s. This, we hope, is just the beginning. We believe that the traditions of all religious faiths offer a wealth of material for further films in this important field. We believe that Hollywood entertainment films can perform an untold service by more presentations along these lines, and by the portrayal of other worthwhile and constructive themes. In summary, the plans of the Protestant Film Commission are two-fold : to produce non-theatrical films which are concerned with human betterment, and to stimulate the Hollywood motionpicture industry to produce entertainment films which also contribute to this end. It is to support this program that we will shortly launch a national campaign for funds. In an issue of Fortune published before the war, the churches were criticized for failure to lead the way in the application of religious principles to the problems of modern life. It was said that, in contrast to the early days of Judaism and Christianity, the churches today do not take the lead in the solution of our problems, but merely conform to progress which already has been made. In the preachments of the church Fo)'tnne found no spiritual leadership, no ringing words of prophecy. I do not believe that this is the fault of our spiritual leaders. Great religious leaders of all faiths are constantly deepening our insight into spiritual truth and its insistent message for today. But modern spiritual leadership requires new techniques, new tools, new media. Already the press and the radio are being used in this regard. There remains the most effective means of persuasion in the world today — the film. Of this powerful medium, the Protestant churches are now prepared to make full and compelling use. Through film, the church may finally make heard its prophetic voice. 4 16mm Releases n < \m WILLIAM BOYD IN 12 GREAT , HflPALONG CASSIDY WESTERN FEATURES with GABBY HAYES. • JIMMY ELLISON ' 6 BIG 111 FEATURES s Starring ■ ^ Ian Glorious Music Riotous Comedy laurel & HARDY THE BOHEMIAN ' GIRL HAL ROACH FEATU^ ?«Ul lUfflS _ I LOGON'S * i MuTt I M ^ ON TNI ■I ‘ ELSINORE P77rst GOLDWYN : picture in 16mm. The north star_ i”ssrss" I ^HAL ROACH'S BIO COMEDY FEATURE I '^pardon I u S" p.: ASTOR PICTURES CORP V