Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

June 22, 1918 MOTOGRAPHY 1155 U. S. Chiefs Come to Aid of Industry DEPLORE TALK OF PICTURES AS NON-ESSENTIAL GOOD NEWS came from Washington last week, when four men, high in the affairs of the govern^ ment, spoke up boldly and championed the exhibition of motion pictures in a way calculated to rout those misguided individuals who have striven — notably in Los Angeles — to have picture theatres designated as non-essentials and avoided on that account. "I should look upon it as a misfortune if moving pictures or other clean forms of amusement should be abolished," said W. G. McAdoo, secretary of the treasury and director of railroads. "I believe in the motion picture just as I believe in the press, and in my work it plays just as powerful a part in the production and stimulation of an aroused and enlightened war sentiment," said George Creel, chairman of the Committee on Public Information. "I consider the motion picture as having distinct educational value," said H. A. Garfield, fuel administrator. "They (pictures) are educational and have great value from a moral point of view," said Herbert Hoover, food administrator. Sentiments Expressed in Letters These remarks were couched in letters, which explain themselves. The first letter, directed to Charles Hart, director, Division of Films of the Committee on Public Information, is from George Creel, chairman of that committee. It follows: My Dear Mr. Hart: _ This is an acknowledgment of your letter calling my attention to the growth of a movement against the continuance of the motion picture theatre on the theory that it is non-essential. As you know, my own views are not only definite, but a matter of record. I believe in the motion picture just as I believe in the press and in my work it plays just as powerful a part m the production and stimulation of an aroused and enlightened war sentiment. The motion picture industry as a whole has put itself squarely behind the government and at the disposal of the government, and I cannot speak too highly of the importance and effectiveness of its service. Because I do not wish to speak out of my own experience entirely, or in anv manner, to run counter to the policies of other' governmental divisions, I took the whole matter up at once with Secretary McAdoo, Dr. Garfield and Mr. Hoover and I enclose you copies of their letters. Believe me, Very sincerely, (Signed) GEORGE CREEL, Chairman. Letter From McAdoo The letter from Mr. McAdoo follows: My Dear Mr. Creel: _ I have your letter of the 23rd of May, informing me that a movement is sweeping over the country to close moving picture theatres on the ground that they are non-essential. I am amazed that such a movement should gain any headway. While there have undoubtedly been many harmful moving pictures displayed "in the past, and while it is probable that some of this kind of pictures are still being displayed, I con sider the influence of moving pictures, particularly during the war, a beneficial one. The people of the country who are working at high pressure to win the war need some form of recreation, and to a vast number of our people moving pictures are the only form of recreation within their means. The majority of the moving picture theatres of the country have placed themselves unreservedly at the disposal of the government for the furtherance of Liberty loans, war savings and other government movements, and deserve the thanks of the country for their patriotic attitude. I should look upon it as a misfortune if moving pictures or other clean forms of amusement in America should be abolished. Sincerely yours, (Signed) W. G. McADOO. Letter From Garfield H. A. Garfield wrote: My Dear Mr. Creel : So far as I have any personal conviction in the matter, I am frank to say that I consider the motion picture, properly controlled, as having distinct educational value, and as well being a legitimate amusement, which I see no present need of the government curtailing. Yours very truly, H. A. "GARFIELD. Letter From Hoover Herbert Hoover said: Dear Mr. Creel : I would say that at the present moment there is no necessity to close the moving pictures as non-essentials. To me, non-essentials are all relative to our necessities. I believe it is essential to get all of the labor in the United States who have mechanical or agricultural training back into these callings. This does not at all imply that the moving picture should be closed down ; in fact, they are educational and they have great value from a moral point of view. War does not imply the abolition of recreation — so long as it is not wasteful of national resources. Long before the movies are closed they should be given ample opportunity to engage women for such of the work as is now carried on by men who can be replaced. That is, all such people as ushers, ticket-selling people and so on, can quite properly be replaced by women. So far as I know, none of the countries at war have found it necessary to go farther than this. Yours faithfully, (Signed) HERBERT HOOVER. Whereupon it may be assumed that Washington has not changed its original approval of the motion picture as a war aid, but rather is more convinced than ever of its rightful place in public favor. Some Godfather! Six thousand sacks of smoking tobacco were sent to the men of the 159th California infantry last week by their godfather, William S. Hart. A thrill in "The Firefly of France," a Paramount picture starring Wallace Reid.