Sharp criticism of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for abandoning production of “It Can’t Happen Here,” projected film version of the Sinclair Lewis novel, was voiced today in a letter to Louis B. Mayer, president of MGM, by President Henry Pratt Fairchild of the Film Audiences for Democracy. Abandonment of the anti-Fascist film in the middle of production, Prof. Fairchild said, “was doubly surprising as you are not only a leading personality in our country, but also a Jew.” He urged the company, in the event it did not feel justified in re-opening production, to sell the film rights to another firm, and cited the financial success of such anti-Fascist films as “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” (Warner Bros.) in refutation of the MGM contention that the public was not interested in “propaganda” films.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
