Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

BETTER FILMS A Department Conducted by MRS. WOODALLEN CHAPMAN Chairman, Committee of Community Service on Motion Pictures, General Federation of Women's Clubs In this department appear each month news items of activities for finer films throughout the country, lists of pictures officially approved by the Federation through its reviewing committee, and announcements by Mrs. Chapman in regard to the Federation's work for better films. Arrangement has also' been made by which subscribers' questions concerning the work for finer motion pictures, when addressed to Mrs. Chapman in care of Moving Picture Age and accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope, will be answered in personal correspondence by Mrs. Chapman. SHALL WE HAVE ARBUCKLE FILMS? ANEW aspect of the motion-picture problem has been brought to the attention of the public through the announcement by Mr, Adolph Zukor, president of the Famous Players-Laskey Corporation, of the intention of his organization to release three films featuring Roscoe Arbuckle. It evidently appears to this organization that the acquittal of the comedian of having been the cause of the death of Virginia Rappe is sufficient to reinstate him in the good graces of the community and to justify the producers in presenting him once more to the public as a film star — although Mr. Zukor did have the grace to add the words "provided there is no public protest." We who are working for the upbuilding of the nation's life through motion pictures are very grateful for the addition of that saving clause. It indicates a possible openness of mind on the part of the producers, which may enable us to make clear to them the reasons why we cannot accept Arbuckle films as fit for presentation to motion-picture audiences. We appreciate the producer's point of view in his desire to receive a return on the money invested in these productions. We can understand the feeling on the part of many that it would be a matter of justice to allow the comedian to return to his customary manner of earning his living. But this is a matter that concerns not only the producer and the star, but even more the general public, and must therefore be considered from the standpoint of the effect produced on the minds of those who view the films. In response, therefore, to the invitation for expressions of opinion implied in Mr. Zukor's final words "provided there is no public protest," the General Federation of Women's Clubs has expressed its views in the following letter sent by its Chairman of Motion Pictures : New York, April 15, 1922. Mr. Adolph Zukor, President Famous Players-Lasky Corporation 485 Fifth Avenue New York Citv Dear Sir: Your announcement that it was your purpose to begin the release of films featuring Roscoe Arbuckle, provided there was no protest on the part of the public, has attracted the attention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, in which oaganization I have the honor to be Chairman of Motion Pictures. We appreciate your attitude of willingness to listen to the voice of the people, and, as two million five hundred thousand women who help to make up the general public and are keenly alive to all matters of public welfare, we are glad to take advantage of this opportunity^ to let you know the feeling of the members of our organization upon this vitally important matter. We have no doubt that you are considering the question of using Arbuckle films from the standpoint of a producer who wishes to receive a return on his investment in these films and who also wishes to be just to one in his employ. We, however, look at this matter from the standpoint of the audience and consider the effect of your action upon the life of the nation. Whether Arbuckle was concerned, directly or indirectly, in the unfortunate death of Miss Rappe is not the question which must be considered, nor even the matter of his acquittal. The fact remains that he is associated in the minds of all newspaper readers with scenes of contempt for conventionalities which are observed by all right-minded people, of loose living, even of debauchery. It is impossible to mention the name of Arbuckle or to read it in print without bringing to mind the disgusting scenes so sensationally described during the course of the trial recently ended. To throw upon the screen the picture of the man him self would be to recall to the minds of all beholders, in the greatest vividness, all the nauseating details of the entire case. It would cause the case to be discussed over and over again. It would, in other words, keep ever present in the public mind all the moral degradation brought forth by this sordid affair and would, therefore, be unquestionably detrimental to public morals. This is more than a question of allowing a producer to get a return upon an investment already made. It is greater than a question of possible injustice to one man whose life laid him open to such an attack. It is solely and entirely a question of justice to the public. The public has a right to demand that it be allowed to forget the whole nauseating matter, that the minds of those who go most frequently to the motion-picture theatres — the young people — shall be permitted to return to an atmosphere of clean thinking and right living. It hardly seems to us that a great concern like yours can afford, by putting on these pictures, to strengthen in the mind of the general public the impression which is already so widespread, that producers care nothing as to the moral standing of their stars but are ready to capitalize any kind of notoriety. This would be most unfortunate, and we therefore trust that, for the sake of your own organization, and even more for the sake of helping to build the right kind of moral fibre in the nation's life, you will reach a final decision to show no more Arbuckle films, either at the present time or at any time in the future. May I hope for an assurance from you at an early date that you have reached this decision? Very truly yours, (signed) Wood alien Chapman, Chairman of Motion Pictures. The New York newspapers, under date of April 19, published a statement from Mr. Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., stating that the three Arbuckle films mentioned in Mr. Zukor's announcement had been withdrawn from circulation, that ten thousand bookings already made had been canceled, and that the matter of the future release of these films was to be given the most careful consideration. It is evident from this action on the part of Mr. Hays that he, at least, recognizes the tactical blunder that would be committed by the industry if it allowed these films to go forth so soon after the close of the trial as to make it appear that there might be an attempt to reap a commercial profit from the salacious notoriety gained by the comedian. Although the lapse of time might mitigate to some degree the storm of criticism to be aroused by the showing of these films, the principle underlying the question at issue must necessarily remain the same. Therefore, another letter was sent to Mr. Hays voicing the opinion of the Federation as to the possibility of future showings of such films. April 19, 1922. Mr. Will H. Hays, President Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. 522 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: On behalf of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, I wish to thank you for your action in relation to the Arbuckle films. The announcement of Mr. Zukor that these films were to be released must have come as a shock to all right-minded people, and the announcement of bookings in different parts of the country has called forth expressions of severe censure and deeply stirred indignation. I note that the matter of the future release of these films is to be taken under consideration, and I therefore request the privilege of expressing the feelings of the two 16