Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-18

The recent revelations of unsatisfac-
tory moral conditions in the movie in
dustry has resulted in many letters be
ing received by this department. Some
of the writer's take a liberal view Of the
situation; others demand that the moral
lepers" In the industry be punished and
there are a few who predict a black fu-
ture for the movies.
I cannot agree with those who take
such black view of the situation. So
there can be no misunderstanding Of
my opinion on this subject, let me voice
by strongest contempt to the few movie
actors-both men and women-whose sud
den elevation to positions of wealth and
fame has caused them to sidetrack their
morals. Such moral misfts in the movie
world must be weeded out On that ques-
ton no argument Is necessary.
To those who contend that "all IS bad, y
permit me to call their attention to a few
men and women of the movies land there
are many Others) whose regulations have
never been endangered by even a sus-
picion % improper conduct.
Let us consider few Of the younger
stars-Richard Barthelmess, Rudolph Va
lentino, Lillian Gish, Florence Vidor,
Madge BelIamy, Charles Ray, Constance
and Norma Talmadge Gareth Hughes
has welcomed he appearance of these
! players on the screen. Their vehicles al
I ways have been clean Their personal
J life has never been questioned. I con
! tend that the future of the movie screen
! is more than reasonably safe in the
hands Of these players and many others
1 could mention.
Lionel Barrymore and Doris Rankin
have appeared on the screen. George
. Arliss lately has brought the screen an
unquestionable artistry and Mr.. Arliss
is a gentleman-that the world knows.
Otis Skinner has been on the screen in
''Kismet'' and is getting ready for an
other picture. It has been announced
that David Warfeld will become a
screen actor for one picture-"The MI.
sic Master"
I could go on in this way for hours
recall ing to ones memory the many de-
light III hours spent watching the real
men and women of the spoken stage as
well as movie actors, appear on the
screen.
The movie actors of America have
brought great Joy to this country
The movie of the screen has made II
possible for many Of US TO travel" to
Africa, to Europe and even to points
close to the north pole. We have seen
the beauty of the great streets of Paris
reflected on the screen. We have seen
Romeo and Juliet" on the screen and
even the grim tragedy Of Hamlet has
been reflected by famous players on the
silver screen. We have laughed and
howled at Harold Lloyd Charlie Chap
lin gave thousands a real shock of joy
in shoulder Arms"
Claude Gillingwater and little Jackie
Coogan have made many a heart warmer
after seeing ''My Boy"
There has been so much good on and
in the screen that the actions of a few
degenerates will not coil the lives or en-
tertaining efforts Of the true bloods of
the screen. We read and hear Of the
sensational and even death resulting es-
2apades Of certain movie actors. But we
Cont hear Of the real American home
life OF VIII Rogers and his family. We
don't hear Of Tom Meighan's happy home
life.
Here is my point-the rotten element
Of the elm business will be removed. The
public sentiment will do that, and is
doing 1t.
When the smoke is cleared away the
movie industry will be rid Of MANY OBJ
jectionable elements and the Charles
Rays, the Barthelmesses, the Chaplins
and all or the other real ones will be re-
fected in the light of their own virtues
Remember that the movie industry has
grown rapidly and it is only reasonable
to suppose that a house cleaning is
necessary.
Look at both the good and the bad Of
every question before returning an indict
ment against anyone or anything.
+ II
Here is some interesting news.
Guy Bates Post, one Of the foremost
6gures upon the English speaking stage