SERIAL & MOTION PICTURE RIGHTS OF POTUS TO BE BROUGHT UP IN HOUSE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 26, 1921, the New York Tribune reports that "the ownership of the serial and motion picture rights of the President of the United States will be brought up in the House" this coming week.
Since it was announced that former President Woodrow Wilson plans to collaborate in a serial with motion picture potential, some members of Congress have raised the issue "that proceeds from such work might be considered government property."
Congressman James T. Begg* (R-Ohio), reports the Tribune, will bring the matter up in the House of Representatives.
Lewis J. Selznick** gave his opinion that Mr. Wilson's papers would not be "much of a drawing card" for the movies.
*James Thomas Begg (1877-1963) was born near Lima, Ohio & graduated from Wooster College in 1903. JTB was Superintendent of Public Schools 1905-1910 & 1913-1917. He served 5 terms in US Congress 1919-1929.
**Lewis J. Selznick (1870-1933) was born in Lithuania & established Selznick Pictures in California. LJS produced & distributed motion pictures 1913-1923.
JFK+50 NOTE
It was not until 1944 that a motion picture biography of Woodrow Wilson came to the big screen. WILSON, starring Alexander Knox, was filmed in technicolor. Despite winning 5 Academy Awards, the film was a box office bomb due to its high production costs. Producer Darryl F. Zanuck, a fan of the former POTUS, asked that the film not ever be mentioned in his presence.
SOURCE
"Capital Wonders if Wilson Story Is Destined for Success," The New York Tribune, December 26, 1921, Newspaper of New York Tribune, December 26, 1921, Page 1, Newspaper Archive, www.gastearsivi.com
