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wal * . wa “Tr. Tofson_ . foe. v Mr. Mohr ra 1 Mr. Parsons. - ; : Mr. Belmont _ AL \. “7M ahar ee ey of Loacl ley! a r. be . Mr eGuire OSETE._. Mr. Tamm__. FROM FRANK _SINATR/.3 Tan. Mr, 1 gram. ' Miss Gandy. rf “ [. Pe | This statement is made by me so that the public will have all the faespe passing judgement in regard to my hiring Albert Maltz to write the screenplay of “1 _ Execution of Private Slovik.” s mea ' T bought the William Bradford Huie book which tells the true story of the o: execution of a soldier by the United States Army since the Civil War. Since I will produce and direct the picture I am concerned that the screenp! reflects the true pro-American values of the story. This means that the picture must be an affirmative declaration in the b American tradition. I spoke to many screenwriters but it was not until I talked to Albert Maltz tl -found a writer who saw the screenplay in exactly the terms I, wanted. This is, t rmy was right. Under our Bill of Rights, I was taught that no one may prescribe what shall orthodox in polities, religion or other matters of opinion. I am in complete accord with the statement made earlier this week by J. ‘Nicola of the Catholic Legion of Deceney who said, “The Legion evaluates films the basis of art, not the artist.” As the producer of the film I and I alone will be responsible for it. I accept th responsibility. I ask only that judgment be deferred until the picture is seen. eee, I would also like to comment on the attacks from certain quarters on Senat John Kennedy by connecting him with my decision on employing a screenwriter. This type of partisan polities is hitting below the belt. I make movies. I do not ask the advice of Senator Kennedy on whom I shou hire. Senator Kennedy does not ask me how he should vote in the Senate. I am prepared to stand on my principles and to await the verdict of A _ American people when they see “The Execution of Private Slovik.” iv | IT repeat: In my role as a picture- “maker, I have—in my opinion—hired the be man to do the job. _ tfopeenn ee ; + __ Spa te a