Sodom and Gomorrah : the story of Hollywood (1935)

12 SODOM AND GOMORRAH average motion picture is such wretched entertainment. Among others, the author wishes to acknowledge his gratitude to "Plain Talk Magazine" for its kind permission to print certain excerpts from articles by an apparently well-informed author dealing with Hollywood conditions. ("Unmasking The Movies" — September, October, November, 1933.) These articles were outstanding in their fearless exposure of the malpractices of certain executives and actors of the motion picture aristocracy. Certainly there is enough material in these articles to render their publisher liable for heavy damages were the charges untrue, for there is no ambiguity concerning those referred to. In writing a work unflattering to Hollywood, the author lays himself open to attacks by outraged demi-gods of the screen. The producers always issue their dismal wail of "intolerance," their stock reply to every type of criticism. Naturally, after they have gone to the trouble and expense of fitting out a pair of green spectacles for the public so that it will eat the shavings they provide it, the producers are annoyed when anyone contrives to destroy the illusion. As with almost any issue, you are either for or against Hollywood, whether or no you wish to take sides. Inasmuch as this work is more or less "against," I desire to give a very brief resume of the arguments commonly employed by the