The Cross and the Cinema: The Legion of Decency and the National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures, 1933-1970

(Hardback)

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Description

Skinner reveals how the Roman Catholic Church, through its agency, the National Legion of Decency, dominated the American film censorship scene in tandem with the Production Code Administration. In its heyday in the 1930s and 40s, the Legion claimed a membership of over eleven million Americans--about one moviegoer in twelve--and brought movie moguls such as David O. Selznick and Howard Hughes to their knees in determined campaigns to bar what it deemed unsuitable entertainment. Some of the most controversial titles in the annals of movie censorship, including The Outlaw, Duel in the Sun, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and The Pawnbroker, are featured as targets of clerical wrath in this study which covers four decades of film history.

Reviews

Based on original research with heretofore unavailable materials from the Legion archives, this a a substantial addition to the literature of censorship in the United States. Skinner's (history and film) relevatory study show how one religious pressure group radically shaped the way American movies were made and exhibited. Though expressing little sympathy with the Legion's cause the author maintains a sociologist's objectivity in revealing the politics behind the Legions's film ratings and boycotts. With history currently repeating itself as Michael Medved and Rev. Donald Wildmon lead the drive to restore "decency" and "traditional values" to movies, Skinner's book makes timely reading. For most serious film collections.-Library Journal
Skinner's academic study has many good stories and detailed discussions. Recommended for film and media censorship collections at all academic levels.-Choice
"Skinner's academic study has many good stories and detailed discussions. Recommended for film and media censorship collections at all academic levels."-Choice
"Based on original research with heretofore unavailable materials from the Legion archives, this a a substantial addition to the literature of censorship in the United States. Skinner's (history and film) relevatory study show how one religious pressure group radically shaped the way American movies were made and exhibited. Though expressing little sympathy with the Legion's cause the author maintains a sociologist's objectivity in revealing the politics behind the Legions's film ratings and boycotts. With history currently repeating itself as Michael Medved and Rev. Donald Wildmon lead the drive to restore "decency" and "traditional values" to movies, Skinner's book makes timely reading. For most serious film collections."-Library Journal

Author Bio

JAMES M. SKINNER, Professor of History and Film at Brandon University in Manitoba for twenty-six years, has contributed several articles on film censorship to journals in Canada and the U.S.A. He was exposed to the control of film content in his position as vice-chairman of the Manitoba Film Classification Board. Dr. Skinner was also director of the Brandon Film Festival for twenty-two years. He is the author of France and Panama: The Unknown Years, 1894-1908. He is presently sessional lecturer in History and Film at the University of Victoria, British Columbia.