Although in certain quarters it was predicted that the artistic values
of the motion picture would be seriously impaired by the reform insisted upon
by the "Legion of Decency," it appears that quite the contrary
has happened and that the "Legion of Decency" has given no
little impetus to the efforts to advance the cinema on the road to noble
artistic significance by directing it towards the production of classic masterpieces
as well as of original creations of uncommon worth.
Nor have the financial investments of the industry suffered, as was
gratuitously foretold, for many of those who stayed away from the motion
picture theatre because it outraged morality are patronizing it now that they
are able to enjoy clean films which are not offensive to good morals or
dangerous to Christian virtue.
When you started your crusade, it was said that your efforts would be of
short duration and that the effects would not be lasting because, as the
vigilance of Bishops and faithful gradually diminished, the producers would be
free to return again to their former methods. It is not difficult to understand
why certain of these might be desirous of going back to the sinister themes which
pander to base desires and which you had proscribed. While the representation
of subjects of real artistic value and the portrayal of the vicissitudes of
human virtue require intellectual effort, toil, ability, and at times
considerable outlay of money, it is often relatively easy to attract a certain
type of person and certain classes of people to a theatre which presents
picture plays calculated to inflame the passions and to arouse the lower
instincts latent in the human heart.
An unceasing and universal vigilance must, on the contrary, convince the
producers that the "Legion of Decency" has not been started as
a crusade of short duration, soon to be neglected and forgotten, but that the
Bishops of the United States are determined, at all times and at all costs, to
safeguard the recreation of the people whatever form that recreation may take.