Modern Screen (Jan-Dec 1960)

on moral grounds to Ben-Hur, Thi Story of Ruth, Hercules Unchained, Sergeant Rutledge, A Visit to a Small Planet, Conspiracy of Hearts, or Bells Are Ringing. Yes, there have been many fine, wholesome films that offer many wonderful hours of family fun. (Family films for 1960 are listed on the next page.) It seems unfair that any writer should condemn the entire output of the movie industry by using a handful of films as examples. Many of the titles mentioned as examples of "adult" films were spectc. ularly successful at the box-office. Obviously the majority of movie fans enjoy seeing films with mature themes. There have been great sociological changes in our society since the end of World War II. The theater, books and magazines, and even our daily newspapers treat subjects that twenty years ago were considered hush-hush and taboo. The motion picture has been well behind other mass media in their approach to mature themes. When skillfully treated, almost any subject can be presented without offense. Provocative books like From Here to Eternity, Peyton Place and Suddenly Last Summer have been brought to the screen under the Production Code as effective dramatic films. They have been well received by theater patrons. The industry, in presenting this material on the screen with consideration and in good taste, is meeting a definite demand for well-handled adult themes. The article also broached the subject of classifying films — in other words labeling certain films as adult entertainment. Again, a majority of you, in response to Modern Screen's article, favored some sort Against Censorship, continued of classification. However, a number of young people felt this wouldn't work at all — that any such classification of films would merely incite the curious teen-ager to attend those films labeled Adult. Classification is used in a number of foreign countries, but not always with complete success. In England the "X" or "Adults Only" rating has resulted in the production of a number of very daring films. As long as a film was going to be classified "For Adults Only" some producers decided to go all out with little or no restraint. Classification of films by any government body is another form of censorship and is not the American way of solving anything. We in the United States have always fought to maintain our freedom of expression and freedom of choice. We like to examine the facts and make up our own minds. As far as young children are concerned, it is not only the right, but it is the responsibility of parents to make their own decisions in selecting motion picture entertainment for their children. There are many sources of information about film content and audience suitability available. Newspapers usually review films and describe their content. Many magazines carry a listing of current films and some rate the films for various age groups. The Film Estimate Board of National Organizations (FEBNO), made up of representatives of eleven national women's organizations, publish a monthly Green Sheet which reviews and rates films for adults, adults-and-matureyoung-people, family-and-childrenunder-twelve-years. The Green Sheet may be found on library and church bulletin boards. The Legion of Decency of the Catholic Church releases regular ratings of films for the members of their faith. Certainly any parent who is interested can find information about films. You can always consult the theater manager before sending your children. The motion picture industry — through the Motion Picture Association of America — operates a voluntary code of self-regulation called the Production Code. Every film carrying the Production Code Seal has been carefully reviewed from the first script — right down to the final release print. The Code is based on sound morals common to all peoples and all religions. The Code Seal has never been giv en to an immoral film. [Editor's Note: You will find the code reprinted in full on page 54. We suggest you decide for yourself whether Hollywood has lived up to it.] As Production Code Administrator, Geoffrey M. Shurlock, said recently before a Congressional Committee in Washington, "In the long run it is not the subject matter but the treatment that counts. And it is with treatment that the Code operation is fundamentally concerned. Hollywood film producers have proved themselves skillful and trustworthy enough to take outstanding, if sometimes sensational material and, applying the Code machinery, develop inherent drama and engrossing character delineations, to come up with entertainment that is mature, morally acceptable and of world-wide appeal." We have appreciated the interest so many of you have shown by writing your feelings about Modern Screen's article on "adult movies." ~2