Evening star., 1942-10-18

At the War Production Board Of
Hopper Of WPB issues the directives'
which confine producers to a 5000
limitation on new sets, tells them
how much raw film stock they may
use on the 1923 production pro-
grams, patterns the economies which
the studios must follow or else.
Chris Dunphy, chief of the amuse-
ment section of the WPB, keeps a
close tally on theater supplies, de-
cides the few locations which will
get priorities for new construction,
passes on applications for new
equipment, constantly stresses the
need for conserving present supplies,
fights with manufacturers and
wholesalers for the essentials to
keep the Nations movie theaters
open.
Where Military Enters.
Some have an idea that the War
and Navy departments have the
right of censorship on production.
This is a fallacy. 1t. Col. w. Mason
Wright of the Army does keep close
contact with studio activities and
few of the big Hollywood producers
dare to go ahead without the green
light from the Munitions Building.
Actually this is a voluntary super
vision.
Any studio which proceeds to
make a picture which the Army
doesn't like is not apt to get the
cooperation OF the military when
they chart features requiring the
services of soldiers, camps or mill
tary reservations. So War Depart
ment approval is imperative, since
Hollywood saves hundreds of thou
sands of dollars annually through
| the essential permission to utilize
established military facilities.
This same policy applies to the
activities of the Navy with relation
to Hollywood, Capt. Leland P
Lovette of Public Relations exer-
cising this amiable navy blue over
lordship.
Mellett Office Suggests.
Closest to production activities Il
Lowell Mellett, a soft-spoken, highly
intelligent executive of understand.
ing, whose main education in movie
making has been acquired since tht
present emergency arose. From
the Mellett office come suggestion
to the Hollywood companies on wha
short subjects the industry shoult
provide. He also conveys advic
and suggestions to the news reel
which have a tremendous week..
circulation, are of vital importanc
when the Government has a jol
which must be done quickly.
| In addition the Mellett office ha
its own production unit, which turn
out such short subjects as "Sal
wage" with Donald Nelson as mar
rator, and the Paul v. McNutt film
on "Manpower." This production
unit utilizes its own actors, general
" found upon location, employs n
professional mines. One Of it
most effective jobs was the compila
ton of new reel shots-some fror
seized German flms-giving an &C
curate picture of the political, eco
nomic and military reasons whicl
brought about the present conflict
Called "The World at War" pre-
pared by Samuel Spewack, it is
masterful orientation of why W
are fighting, telling the story-in 6
screen minutes.
Branch in Hollywood.
Mr.. Mellett fought valiantly t
have the news reels issue the "Bat
tie of Midway" official films of tn
United States Navy but was over
ruled. His idea was to get tn
widest immediate circulation, bu
the Navy, proud of the film recor
assembled by Comdr. John Ford an
his camera artists, insisted upon tn
right of independent release.
The Mellett Office maintains
branch contact in Hollywood, !
daily touch with studios and an
producer confronted with q probler
can get quick action. It is Nj
Mellett's idea that If Judy Garlan
In the logical narrative of featur
can be shown pouring the greas
fat from her kitchen stove into
can for salvage, it has as muc
effect as a short subject stressin
similar advice. These thoughts, In
jected subtly into screen action ca
accomplish much, he feels.
} Rockefeller is Independent.
Only Nelson Rockefeller's Offic
of Inter- American Affairs works in
} dependently of this Hollywood gov
ernmental setup. But since mos
OF the film created and exhibite
, under the Rockefeller banner is fc