Skinner reveals how the Roman Catholic Church, through its agency, the National Legion of Decency, dominated the American film censorship scene in the 1930s and 40s.
Acknowledgments Introduction American Film Censorship to 1933 The Social Setting for Control The Formation of the Legion of Decency Early Days Heyday and Hegemony Cracks in the System Goodbye Legion, Welcome NCOMP Decline Conclusion Appendixes Select Bibliography Index
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.
?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
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |