On November 9, 1961, Samuel Goldwyn, the head of Samuel Goldwyn Studios, wrote a letter to Producer/Director Jerry Wald at 20th Century Fox. The letter reads, in part, as follows:
Dear Jerry:
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Today we are at a very crucial period in history. Even if the cold war never develops into a hot one, our country still has its hands full all over the world. The pictures we send abroad have an effect in every corner of the globe.
Therefore, I feel we must exercise today a higher degree of self-discipline and self-censorship then ever before. We should never lose sight of the fact that, no matter how entertaining a picture may be or how much money it may make, it can do our country a great deal of harm if it plays into the hands of our enemies. [emphasis added] No one among us can serve as another’s conscience – but that is why it behooves every one of us to look at ourselves critically and completely honestly. We have a great responsibility in this regard – far greater than almost any other segment of our country – and we have to guide ourselves accordingly.
Naturally, what I feel in this regard is carried over into my opinion regarding the subject of film festivals which you mention.
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Samuel Goldwyn must be turning in his grave to see his admonition ignored by today’s Hollywood, as anti-American picture after anti-American picture is released and plays into the hands of our enemies.
BEAR TO THE RIGHT 