Films.

SIGNAL Corp. (Virginia); ACADEMY of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

Any instrument that may be used to shape or sway public opinion, particularly one that continuously commands the attention of millions, like motion pictures, has the potential to become a storm center. The relationship between Washington and Hollywood is interesting in this connection. The U.S. government has not been officially engaged in propaganda. Such activity would be impolitic in any situation short of actual war. The motion picture industry has large active committees of producers and exhibitors, and it would be difficult to describe the government's situation as one even of remote control. The production of an unprecedented number of army training films has begun in cooperation with Hollywood film companies. An exclusive agreement for the assignment of military film production has been concluded between Signal Corp. and the Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The production of non-military government films, however, remains slow, awaiting the attitude of the U.S. President and the U.S. Congress.