Harrison's Reports (1950)

fintered as second-ciass matter January -1, 1U21, at the post office at New York, New York, under the act of March 3, 1879. Harrison's Reports Yearly Subscription Rates: 1270 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS Published Weekly by United States $ 15.00 (Formerly Sixth Avenue) Harrison s Reports, Inc., U. S. Insular Possessions. 16.60 N v u on m v Publisher Canada 16.50 Wew York zu> n » • p. S. HARRISON, Editor Mexico, Cuba, Spain 16.50 A Motion Picture Reviewing Service Great Britain 17.60 Devoted Chiefly to the Interests of the Exhibitors Established July 1, 1919 Australia, New Zealand, India, Europe, Asia .... 17.60 Itg Editoria, policy: No Problem Too Big for Its Editorial Circle 7-4622 35c a Copy Columns, if It is to Benefit the Exhibitor. A REVIEWING SERVICE FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF FILM ADVERTISING Vol. XXXII SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1950 No. 51 RUSSIA NOW USING "MR. SMITH" AS ANTI-U.S. WEAPON The Associated Press reported last weekend that Russia is currently using for anti-American propaganda purposes Columbia's 1939 production of "Mr. Smith Goes to Wash' ington," which dealt with the fight of a naive but honest Senator against the control of the U.S. Senate by some dishonest Senators, owned body and soul by a crooked politician. According to the report, the picture is now being played before capacity crowds in a first-run Moscow theatre to show that the American people are being governed by a crooked legislative body. Columbia, it should be said, has not sold the picture to the Russians. Its exhibition in that country is unauthorized and in violation of international copyright conventions. There is no information on just how a print got into Russian hands. This is not the first time that this picture has been used as an anti-U.S. weapon. The Nazis made wide use ot it in their heyday, not only in Germany, but also in other countries throughout the world, employing every means possible to facilitate its showing as an example of the "decay of democracy." Japan, too, used the picture as an example of the "degeneration of American democracy." That communist Russia is now using the picture for a similar purpose does not surprise Harrison's Reports, for when the picture was first released in 1939 this paper expressed resentment in no uncertain terms at the reflection cast on the U.S. Senate by the theme, and predicted that our enemies would use it to malign the people of the United States and injure the prestige of our country. Harrison's Reports was criticized severely for its stand, not only by some exhibitors, but also by some fellow-publishers. Subsequent events, however, proved the justification of this stand. That the Russians have now pounced upon this picture with glee is understandable, for they themselves could not have produced a more effective propaganda film against us. A PRODUCER TAKES EXCEPTION ROBERT STILLMAN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. 7324 Santa Monica Boulevard Hollywood 46, Calif. December 12, 1950 Mr. Pete Harrison Harrison's Reports New York, N. Y. Dear Pete Harrison: Thank you for the many flattering things you said about "The Sound of Fury" as a motion picture included in your recent review. Naturally, we would be the last to disagree with your complimentary statements anent the acting, production, direction, etc. We find ourselves unable to agree, however, with your estimate of the effect of this film on the public. In this we have a distinct advantage. All your conclusions were based upon your good judgment. Ours are predicated upon an actual testing of the picture in five cities last November 1?. We were pleased to learn then that this picture is considered as an important contribution to the American way of life. In one of the cities, Wheeling, W. Va., Carl G. Bachman, Mayor of the community, presented an award to Robert Stillman for producing "The most courageous film of the year, 'The Sound of Fury,' for its recognition to America's democratic tradition of due process and trial by jury. And as a vital message against totalitarianism and for the preservation of the American Way.' The Rt. Rev. Edmund J. Yahn, Pastor of Saint Joseph's Cathedral, in Wheeling, has this to say: "A direct and most forceful appeal to all those who make or influence public opinion, but any adult may live to see the day when he desperately needs to remember the lessons taught by this picture." Clyde W. Malone, Executive Secretary of the Urban League of Lincoln, Nebraska, commented: "Without preachment or repetitious argument the evils of an attempt to render justice by Mob Action are proven. I sincerely hope that this picture will be seen by every opponent to the Democratic Way of Life." Clarence Derment, head of Actors Equity Association, said: "I sincerely feel that pictures of this kind, which carry on an impressive lesson without making any sacrifice to the screen's first purpose, which is to entertain, will be the means of holding audience interest against the encroachments of Television. The final mob scenes certainly surpass anything I have ever seen on the screen." The Young Men's Christian Association of Wheeling commented thusly: "In these days of world strife when it is exceedingly necessary for cool, calm and collective thinking of all peoples, the production of 'The Sound of Fury' is without challenge in its beneficial aspects for the American public. It is our opinion that this picture be a MUST for all who are interested in protecting the American Way of Life, freedom of the press, and a fair trial for all." The Ohio Valley Press Club cited the picture for its "Recognition of the honesty and integrity of the working newspaperman and as a bulwark against yellow journalism." James K. Trevey, Chief of Police of South Bend, Indiana, said: "A remarkable picture which portrays the violence of mob rioting, also the use of unwise newspaper reporting." Chief Lou Whitten, of Huntington, West Virginia, was so enthusiastic about the film he arranged a special screening for police, city and county officials. Finally on the international scene, Benjamin Cohen, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, described "The Sound of Fury" in this manner: "I was greatly impressed with this picture and only wish that more thought-provoking pictures of this kind would reach the public. It is a fit companion for the high caliber of your previous productions; a powerful document against mass violence and the condemnation of man without a hearing or due process of law." There are many more reactions from responsible public officials which would be of interest to you I know. Having received these reactions we are confident that our picture can, as we intended it should, make an important contribution to respect for our American democracy and the principles which have made it the wonderful thing that it is. Sincerely, (signed) Robert Stillman RS/pm HARRISON S REPORTS extends to its subscribers and readers Greetings of the Season