Was Walt Disney A Saint, An Evil Sinner Or The Devil Incarnate? The Truth About Some Of Those Nasty Disney Stories!
Excerpted from Disney, The Dark Prince of Hollywood by Mark Eliot
On the evening of August 22, just before the film was scheduled to be screened, Goldwyn stood up before the packed house, filled with more reporters than ordinary filmgoers, and stated his intention to fight "a monopoly which has been able to keep independent producers from showing their films unless the producers are willing to pay prohibitive percentages."
Goldwyn then invited Disney to add his voice to the proceedings. In an impassioned speech that praised Goldwyn for his courage in taking on the "monopolistic forces" of the film industry, Walt concluded by saying:
I heartily endorse your efforts to carry directly to the people of Reno, and indirectly to the American public, the question whether the motion picture industry as an industry should continue to exist under American competition principles or be throttled by monopolistic restrictions and limitations. Our government has recognized the importance of American films as political and commercial assets in foreign relations for America!
Taken from the FBI file No. 60-86 entitled T & D. Jr. Enterprises, Incorporated. dated 10-19-44.
Synopsis of Facts:
Transcript of speech made by MARY PICKFORD, motion picture actress, at El Patio Ballroom, Reno, Nevada 8-22-44 previous to the showing of the motion picture "Up in Arms" a SAMUEL GOLDWYN production, obtained from K.O.H. Radio Station and set out. Instant speech concerned with the presentation by MARY PICKFORD of her stand for independence and freedom from the dictates of a picture theater monopoly. Told of the great expense and time involved by SAMUEL GOLDWYN in making the production only to be told upon the completion of it that he shall not be permitted to show his picture but dictated by a theatre monopoly. Telegram received by SAMUEL GOLDWYN at Reno, Nevada from WALT DISNEY, author and producer, endorsing the action taken by GOLDWYN also read by MARY PICKFORD. [Remainder of paragraph blacked out by the FBI]
[Next three paragraphs blacked out by the FBI.]
There is set out below a transcript of the speech made by MARY PICKFORD.
"There are a number of wires that have come to us, too numerous to read here, so I shall read just this one from an author whom you all know, respect and love. It is WALT DISNEY, one of the outstanding independent producers of the motion picture industry. It is an indication of how the creative workers of Hollywood feel about monopoly and I quote, "SAMUEL GOLDWYN, Riverside Hotel, Reno, Nevada, I heartily endorse your efforts to carry directly to the people of Reno and indirectly to the American public the question whether the motion picture industry as an industry should continue to exist under American competition principles or be throttled by monopolistic restrictions and limitations. When the channels of motion picture reach the public are restricted or blocked it behooves all of us who are charged with responsibility to the public for the industry to break down these barriers. Impending world competition which will be based on low cost and fostered by forming governmental endowment franchise and tariffs makes it imperative that our American products at least in our own country be permitted to operate without artificial obstacles being thrown in its path by selfish interest. The American picture must continue to receive returns, commensurate with the large costs and the better living standards of the people who make them. Our government has recognized the importance of American films as political and commercial assets in foreign relations for America, to lose its leadership in motion pictures would be a blow to all American industry and to our public relations. The motion picture industry and in time the American public will acknowledge and appreciate yours, SAM, your courage and foresight, regards, WALT DISNEY. This is MARY PICKFORD, good night and thank you."
[Remainder of the details of the event are blacked out by the FBI.]
Return to Karl Cohen's article.
Marc Eliot deletes the words to interview from his excerpt of the FBI file making it seem as if the FBI had garnered leads from Disney. The FBI report clearly shows that the Bureau was tallying up the leads it had to interview Disney, Pickford and another source.
Excerpted from Disney, The Dark Prince of Hollywood by Mark Eliot
"As of October 19, 1944, the investigation of this matter was almost completed. As of that date there were outstanding leads [from] Walt Disney ... [deletion by FBI] to determine from them any information in their possession concerning monopolistic practices...."
Taken from the FBI file No. 60-3020 on the subject of T & D. Jr. Enterprises, Incorporated Antitrust dated November 4, 1944
"As of October 19, 1944, the investigation of this matter was almost completed. As of that date there were outstanding leads to interview Walt Disney, Mary Pickford and [deletion by FBI] to determine from them any information in their possession concerning monopolistic practices; to interview [deletion by FBI] relative to any action taken by [deletion by FBI] to prohibit the showing of the pictures; and to maintain contact with the United States Attorney for suggestions as to investigative leads he considers necessary."