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MR. EXHIBITOR: hi ■ lOW that the volcanic blasts, both of praise and attack, are simmering in the pool of controversy, we can with some sobriety take a cold look at Charles Chaplin's "Monsieur Verdoux." Without going any farther away than shouting distance the deafest of us know there are, or will be, two camps in respect to "Verdoux," the most controversial figure that has ever talked from the screen. One camp will hate and deplore the charming and diabolical figure which has, at least temporarily, replaced the baggy-panted tramp of another day. But there is, and will be, another camp of followers who enthusiastically wel¬ come the revolutionary comedy-drama, believing the screen too, has the right to explore and entertain as well as has the free-speech media of press and literature. N 1^0 unsuspecting set of stockholders have made possible "Monsieur Verdoux." Chaplin's genius and his money have bank-rolled the most daring entertainment experiment in the history of films. No trick advertising nor misleading propaganda will be designed to lure guileless customers into theaters. Wrists will not be twisted in an effort to win patrons. Movie-goers will be told the truth: that Charles Chaplin, one of the most controversial figures of our time has created the most controversial picture of all times. They will be told, quite frankly, to expect something never before fashioned from celluloid, something that will be jolting, shocking and entertaining. They will be told that Chaplin has thrown away the battered derby, the baggy pants, the twisted cane with which he made the world laugh for a score of years, and now comes back as Monsieur Verdoux, a charming but diabolical French Bluebeard who makes murder, amidst hysterical laughs, his weird profession. r ^^^HAPLIN does not believe that the screen was conceived for kisses alone. He believes in in the film medium, which he advanced to its highest peak of perfection and entertain¬ ment, as Thomas Wolfe believed that a novel need not have narrow-minded limitations. motif, as we advise the public concerning "Monsieur Verdoux " will be: "Chaplin Changes! Can You?" At the end of the year the verdict will be in from the public. With all good wishes and warm regards, I am Sincerely yours , GRADWELL L. SEARS Copyright MCMXLVII by Uaited Artist. Corp., Near York, N. Y.