October 3, 1973

New Movies Invent History

It is getting harder these days to tell where politics ends and show business begins - and vice versa.

Both are absorbing pastimes, but each should be taken straight.

They have too much in common to be intermixed.  It is too easy to slide from fact to fiction.

"Day Of The Jackal," for example, is a mildly entertaining movie purporting to be an account of how right-wing French war veterans attempted to assassinate Charles De Gaulle.

The film opens in documentary style with an announcement that on June 14, 1962, an attempt was made on the French leader's life; and the movie to follow is hitherto secret facts about the event.

The announcement was convincing, and the ensuing film astonishing.

Only it never happened!

It was complete fiction from opening line to closing scene.  Purpose of the effort was either to (a) inject a sense of reality to what otherwise would be a grade-B thriller or (b) it was to discredit rightists.

One is justified in asking whether either (a) or (b) is a valid reason for distorting the historicity of a famous man.

Soon to be released is a movie titled "Executive Action" which the Hollywood gossip columnists tell us will be an expose of a conspiracy to assassinate president John Kennedy.

Script for the film describes a complex assassination plot designed and executed by Texas oilmen, retired right-wing military personnel, CIA agents, anti-Castro Cubans and the Mafia.

In the scenario, Lee Harvey Oswald is only a decoy planted to divert investigators from the four real assassins.  The murder of Oswald is planned in advance by Jack Ruby, one of the conspiracy members.

Starring in this fantasy is Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan and Will Geer.  The premiere has been set for Nov. 22, the 10th anniversary of Mr. Kennedy's death.

What is the purpose of this mélange of fact and fiction?

Perhaps the reputations of those behind the picture can give us a clue.

The producer is Herbert Magidson, a Los Angeles businessman active in the anti-war movement.  His cash outlay is described as "big budget."

Writers for the screen play are Donald Freed and Mark Lane.  Freed previously had written "Inquest," a play about the espionage trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg; and "Agony In New Haven," a novel about the Black Panther conspiracy trial.  Lane was the author of "Rush To Judgment," one of the most controversial critiques of the Warren Commission Report on President Kennedy's assassination.

Now, it must be remembered that the Warren Commission - headed by a chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and other officials of unquestioned integrity - concluded that Oswald was a left-wing nut acting alone.

The twisting of history from a left-wing loner to a right-wing conspiracy can serve no other purpose but mischief - an effort to smear a hated political enemy by show business impact which can not be achieved with reality.

The deliberate distortion of history for propaganda purposes is despicable.  It fortifies the ignorant in their prejudices and insults the memory of great people.

"Executive Action" does not deserve the patronage of sensible citizens.

It is interesting to note that it is the liberal entertainer that prostitutes his art for his politics.

On the conservative side of the Hollywood political scene we have Gov. Ronald Reagan and Senator George Murphy who put their effort where their beliefs are.  Bob Hope and Sammy Davis give their talent generously to scores of deserving charities.  John Wayne and Frank Sinatra take their politics seriously, but not one of their movies puts down those who disagree with them.

On the political left we have Jane Fonda who loves communist revolutionaries, the Smothers Brothers who used their television show to promote anti-war sentiments, Francis O'Connor who signed up for Archy Bunker so he could knock his image of a conservative, Paul Newman who sends a phony Indian to turn down his "Oscar" award, and Shirley McLaine who uses her personal appearances to propagandize her pet liberal causes.

I believe that entertainers should, in their private lives, be as involved in politics as any other citizen.  But, they have a responsibility to leave their political views in the wings when they step on stage.  Many people who buy theatre tickets have opposite opinions, and they should not be obliged to pay to have them attacked.

Unscrupulous entertainers have a peculiar advantage the rest of us do not have - with the possible exception of ministers and physicians.  When we seek amusement we let down our guard.  We do not rationalize nor make considered judgments.  Such weighty action closes the door to fun.

It is unsporting to hit a man who isn't looking.

It is unethical to propagandize an unsuspecting mind.

Author: Lindsey Williams