Synopses & Reviews
For more than three decades the Catholic Church through its Legion of Decency controlled the content of Hollywood films. Studios submitted their films to the Legion for a rating, which varied from general approval to condemnation. Documenting the inner workings of the Legion, The Catholic Crusade Against the Movies examines how the Church acquired such control and how the changes in the movie industry and American society at large in the post-World War II era eventually conspired against that institution's power and led to its demise.
Review
'\"Black is particularly helpful in shedding light on the complex issue of filmscript revision....With clarity and insight, Black has traced the influence of Catholic forms of film censorship as reflecting the maturing process within the church since the days of the Second Vatican Council.\" Charles Fister, America\"In this worthy sequel to his Hollywood Censored (1994)...Black chronicles how the Legion of Decency imposed its taste and its fear of serious issues on films worldwide.\" Choice'
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 279-284) and index. Filmography: p. 285-291.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. The Catholic coup against Hollywood; 2. Cowboys and courtesans challenge censors; 3. A foreign challenge; 4. The Legion fights back; 5. Declining influence; 6. A new approach; 7. The end of the Legion; 8. Conclusion; Bibliography; Filmography.