---
title: Foreign Film Activities
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/28-foreign-film-activities/
description: Foreign Film Activities, from Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information by George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public…
section: FRAME
---

![Illustration: an interwar radio-and-newsreel intelligence collage with a 1930s map of Europe and propaganda poster proofs.](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/detail/hero-interwar.jpg)

[Library](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/) · Report · [Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/)

# Foreign Film Activities

This text

- **Work:** [Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/)
- **Author:** George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public Information
- **Published:** 1920

Full details

- **Rights:** A work of the United States government, printed by the Government Printing Office in 1920, so not protected by copyright in the United States (17 U.S.C. 105) and in the public domain by age as well. The Library of Congress states that it is unaware of any copyright restrictions on the item.

Chapters

1. [Letter of Transmittal and General Survey](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/01-letter-of-transmittal-and-general-survey/)
2. Part I: The Domestic Section
3. [Work of the Domestic Section](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/02-work-of-the-domestic-section/)
4. [The Voluntary Censorship](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/03-the-voluntary-censorship/)
5. [Division of News](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/04-division-of-news/)
6. [Division of Civic and Educational Cooperation](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/05-division-of-civic-and-educational-cooperation/)
7. [Division of Production and Distribution](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/06-division-of-production-and-distribution/)
8. [Four Minute Men](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/07-four-minute-men/)
9. [The Speaking Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/08-the-speaking-division/)
10. [The Division of Advertising](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/09-the-division-of-advertising/)
11. [Film Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/10-film-division/)
12. [Bureau of Distribution of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/11-bureau-of-distribution-of-the-division-of-films/)
13. [Educational Department of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/12-educational-department-of-the-division-of-films/)
14. [Scenario Department of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/13-scenario-department-of-the-division-of-films/)
15. [Bureau of War Expositions of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/14-bureau-of-war-expositions-of-the-division-of-fil/)
16. [Bureau of War Photographs of the Division of Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/15-bureau-of-war-photographs-of-the-division-of-fil/)
17. [Official U. S. Bulletin](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/16-official-u-s-bulletin/)
18. [The Service Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/17-the-service-bureau/)
19. [Division of Exhibit at State Fairs](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/18-division-of-exhibit-at-state-fairs/)
20. [Division of Syndicate Features](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/19-division-of-syndicate-features/)
21. [Division of Women’s War Work](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/20-division-of-women-s-war-work/)
22. [The Bureau of Cartoons](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/21-the-bureau-of-cartoons/)
23. [Division of Business Management](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/22-division-of-business-management/)
24. [Division of Work with the Foreign Born](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/23-division-of-work-with-the-foreign-born/)
25. [Showing America to the Foreign Press](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/24-showing-america-to-the-foreign-press/)
26. Part II: The Foreign Section
27. [Work of the Foreign Section](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/25-work-of-the-foreign-section/)
28. [Wireless and Cable Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/26-wireless-and-cable-service/)
29. [Foreign Press Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/27-foreign-press-bureau/)
30. [Foreign Film Activities](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/28-foreign-film-activities/)
31. [Foreign Picture Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/29-foreign-picture-service/)
32. Reports from Foreign Commissioners
33. [Report on the Work in Mexico](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/30-report-on-the-work-in-mexico/)
34. [The Work in France](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/31-the-work-in-france/)
35. [The Work in Holland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/32-the-work-in-holland/)
36. [Work in Switzerland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/33-work-in-switzerland/)
37. [Work in Italy](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/34-work-in-italy/)
38. [Work in Spain](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/35-work-in-spain/)
39. [Work in Denmark](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/36-work-in-denmark/)
40. [Work in Russia: General Introduction](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/37-work-in-russia-general-introduction/)
41. [Work in Russia: The Installation](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/38-work-in-russia-the-installation/)
42. [Work in Russia: Siberian Activities](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/39-work-in-russia-siberian-activities/)
43. [Work in Russia: Archangel](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/40-work-in-russia-archangel/)
44. [The Work in China](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/41-the-work-in-china/)
45. [Work in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/42-work-in-argentina-uruguay-and-paraguay/)
46. [Work in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/43-work-in-peru-ecuador-and-bolivia/)
47. [Other Work in South America](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/44-other-work-in-south-america/)
48. [Work in Sweden and Norway](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/45-work-in-sweden-and-norway/)

[← Foreign Press Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/27-foreign-press-bureau/) [Foreign Picture Service →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/29-foreign-picture-service/)

**Content note:** Quotes wartime anti-German language, including "Hun", and period terms for racial and national groups. This object is shown as it was published. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was)

As has been pointed out, the Film Division, under the direction of Mr. Charles S. Hart, supplied not only the United States with a brilliant stream of motion pictures shqwing the war progress of the United States at home and abroad, but it sent its product also into every country in the world outside the Central Powers. In addition arrangements were made with the exporters of film that gave the Committee on Public Information full control of the foreign distribution of American dramatic and comedy ]3ictures, a plan that permitted us to dominate the film situation in every country. Such houses as refused to show our war pictures could not purchase entertainment film, and in this manner we not only put the committee's own pictures in every house, but ran the German propaganda film out of business.

In the case of the more important countries a film expert, ^' representing Mr. Hart's division, was dispatched as an aid to the resident commissioner, and their reports are briefly submitted herewith as a faint outline of activity :

Archangel

Mr. Harry P. In man, ordered to Archangel, carried with him the following equipment to take care of the projection and mending of films, and the repairing: One Chronik motion-picture camera, complete; six Delco light plants, with all accessories; six metallic roll screens; 100 T-Monoplane lamps; six motor drives for 6-B cameragraphs, including speed control; six Powers 6-B motion-picture machines, equipped with 3^-inch lenses; three semiportable motion-picture booths.

Mr. Read Lewis, the committee's commissioner at Archangel, had been supplying one motion-picture theater in Archangel and two in a suburb with programs, and in conjunction with the Young Men's Christian Association, was furnishing three reels of features and comedies and two reels of educationals. The money received was divided with the Young Men's Christian Association.

Subsequent shipments were made to Mr. Inman of negative and positive raw stock, also 42 reels of feature dramas, 16 reels of good comedies, 26 reels of news weeklies, and all our official film, including Pershing's Crusaders, America's Answer, Bridge of Ships, Official War Review, etc., and material for approximately 15 complete eight-reel programs.

Among other activities Mr. Inman made arrangements with the educational department of the Russian Cooperative Unions (which is recognized by the present Archangel Government) for films to be released in towns within a 200-mile radius of Archangel. These showings were gratis.

Argentina

Mr, E. L. Starr, sent to South America, after concluding a preliminary survey of the field, made arrangements with Max Glucksman to distribute our official pictures. The first distribution covered America's Answer, the diplomatic showing of which was a great success, all Argentine officials being present. During the week following the diplomatic showing the net proceeds to the committee from America's Answer amounted to $368, for one theater only.

The second distribution was made of the fihn Bridge of Ships, which had been increased from two to five reels byadding the best and timeliest scenes from the Pershing's Crusaders film. Numerous scenes from Pershing's Crusaders had already been shown in the other allied war reviews, which necessitated our withdrawing and revising the film as explained above. This showing was made at a large benefit of the British-American Benevolent Society.

The financial arrangement with the Glucksman theaters was on a 50-50 basis, but from other exhibitors through the Glucksman agency the committee received a net amount of 25 per cent of the gross earnings. Our official films were received most cordially, and by the above plan secured a maximum amount of distribution.

Brazil

Our records indicated that the average percentage of illiteracy in Brazil is 80 per cent, and the utter lack of any organized form of diversion had resulted in the great popularity for the cinema. Conditions in this country disclosed the fact that the motion picture was an unusually effective employment for the dissemination of information and education.

Until the outbreak of the war the market was entirely controlled by the French and Italians. As a result of the committee's work these films have been almost entirely replaced by American films. The distribution in Brazil was through the American Embassy at Rio de Janeiro, under the personal supervision of Mr. E. V. Morgan, the ambassador. All of our official pictures were sent to Mr. Morgan, as well as many industrial subjects, and a wide distribution was secured.

Chimj

The film industry was found to be in the elementary state in Chile as far as distribution and presentation of the pictures are concerned. Tremendous areas are controlled by private corporations which maintain their own motion-picture theaters. The official films of the committee were turned over to Mr. Sevier, the Compub commissioner. In the larger cities they were shown on a profit-sharing basis in conjunction with various charities. In the American mining towns and camps the films Avere shown by the American Red Cross under the auspices of the local chapters. At the completion of these showings the Southern Pacific Paramount Co. released these pictures in tvro or three reel lengths in every citj and town and camp having a cinema theater. These arrangements offer a greater money return and a more complete distribution thkn any other method possibly could.

China

Mr. Wilbur B. Hart, arriving in Shanghai, found that distribution of our official film through established theateis was not feasible inasmuch as less than 2 per cent of the entire attendance was Chinese. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Hart made contracts up to and including February 15 for the distribution of the official films through the existing exchanges.

An official benefit for the war-fund drive was given early in November, after M'hich Pershing's Crusaders was released the early part of December at the Olympic Theater at Shanghai and was later shown at Tientsin y.nd Peking. The other features followed in succession.

During December our films were released for the Red Cross war drive and for some Young Men's Christian Association showings, in the interests of charity and other worthy causes. During January Mr. Hart was authorized to turn over all films and equipment to Minister Reinsch, as the committee contemplated no more shipments of official films.

Harbin and Vladivostok

Our work in Russia was facilitated by the hearty cooperation received from the Tokyo embassy, and all American enterprises such as the Red Cross, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the military and naval associations. During the early summer of 1918 shipments went forward to Russia of approximately 68 reels of news pictures and 59 reels of industrial film.

In July, 1918, American motion pictures were shown in Harbin for the aid of the Red Cross. These programs were thereafter sent out on the Manchurian circuit, as far as the Russian border to the west, and later to the eastern points, and were also put at the disposal of the Young Men's Christian Association for showing at the various clubs.

Subsequently, arrangements were effected during Augusfe, 1918, to supply Russia with full eight-reel programs, and shipments were made to Harbin of feature dramas, comedies, educational, and industrial films comprising more than 30 programs. On all this commercial film we obtained from the producers the exclusive rights in these territories for the period of the war.

We likewise made shipments of all our following official pictures. Commissioner Bullard detailing Mr. Charles Philip Norton to superintend distribution.

The Russian exhibitors had a great desire for comedies, which proved a means of introducing effectively the heavier and official films in the program.

Under orders of Commissioner Arthur Bullard motion picture headquarters were moved from Harbin to Vladivostok, the center of east Siberian motion-picture trade. Mr. Bullard sent Mr. H. Y. Barnes to New York with a strong recommendation that complete equipment for an efficient laboratory be immediately purchased and sent to Vladivostok. This plan was approved, and accordingly two carloads of equipment were shipped to Vladivostok comprising the followingmaterial : Six 6-B cameragraphs ; 6 delco light plants ; monoplane lamps, rewinders, motors, etc.; 2 motion-picture film- . printing machines ; 6 motion-picture rheostats; 6 screens.

This laboratory gave full titling facilities for all subjects sent, and was immediately followed by a large shipment of industrial subjects, educational, agricultural, and mining films.

In the meantime our New York office communicated with a great many industrial concerns in the United States, asking them to donate their industrial films for distribution through our laboratory at Vladivostok, Kussia. The majority of them consented very gladly.

HOLiiAND.

For exploitation in Holland we secured approximately 370,000 feet of commercial film from all the leading film producers, who granted us the exclusive rights to use these pictures in Holland during the period of the war. This enabled us to make up 50 eight-reel programs.

In addition to this • commercial film we shipped our full set of official releases.

Mr. Llewellyn R. Thomas, representing the Film Division, upon arrival at The Hague, cabled requesting more raw stock and advising that the Germans were furnishing laboratoi-jes and exchanges with raw stock, thereby endeavoring to control their distribution. We also received a cable requesting short subjects, such as one or two reel comedies and short scenic subjects. Mr. Thomas further advised that he could use 1,000 assorted carbons, due to the great scarcity of carbons other than those of German make. In response to his cable we subsequently shipped 200,000 feet more of raw positive stock.

Our shipments to Holland have comprised 306,000 feet of dramatics, 52,000 feet of comedies, 12,000 feet educationals, and more than 30,000 feet of official releases, also 92 reels of news pictures.

Early in November our official film, America's Answer, was displayed to all the Dutch military and naval officers in The Hague. It received a tremendous ovation and was afterwards released every day throughout the territory.

Mexico

Our film activities in Mexico were handled personally by Commissioner Robert H. Murray, who covers operations in his report. He received our official pictures, 10,000 feet of raw stock, and also large shipments of commercial film.

Peru

The motion picture theaters were found to be crude and unsatisfactory. The greater portion of the Peru population is Indian and entirely illiterate. Railroads reach some of the more important mining and agricultural sections, but a vast amount of this territory is reached by burro through mountain trails.

The distribution of motion pictures for Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador made through Lima, Peru, is based on an elaborate system worked out by an organization there. Mr. C. N. GrifRs, commissioner of the committee, and one of the best informed men regarding this country as a field for motion pictures, was the editor of the only English weekly on the west coast and is head of the American Society. Mr. Handley is the American consul general at Lima. Mr. GrifRs, with the assistance of Mr. Handley, took charge of our official films.

Arrangements were consummated for the showing of the films in Peru through the Peru chapter of the American Eed Cross, which will show these pictures in each of the cities and towns having a Red Cross branch. The net profits will be divided with the committee. After the Red Cross has played these towns, the films will be turned over to the only important distributing corporation in the country, the Impreso de Teatros y Cinemas Limitada. The latter has agreed to play the films in every city and town having a cinema theater (26 towns and cities with a total of 34 theaters). This gives us over a period of time 100 per cent distribution and as large an income as can possibly be secured.

Bolivia has five towns in which we consummated the same arrangement as in Peru.

Ecuador likewise has eight towns in which the same arrangement for distribution was effected.

Switzerland

On July 1, 1918, the Swiss film problem was delegated to an allied committee, whose purpose it was to control all allied film in this territory. All film contracts drawn up by the Swiss exhibitors were made under the supervision of this committee, one of the stipulations being that a certain percentage of allied propaganda should be shown by the exhibitors. The Committee on Public Information guaranteed the exclusive rights in Switzerland on all American dramatic films. Tw^elve of the leading film exporters in New York supplied us with 64 prints of dramatic features, comedies, and educationals. In addition to this commercial film we made shipments of 5 prints, or 33 reels, of our official him. This made a total of 228 reels shipped. We also forwarded 15,000 feet of raw stock. Film shipments were stopped with the signing of the armistice.

During December, Mr. Charles Hart, Avho made a careful stud}'' of the Switzerland conditions, cabled advising that one of the most reliable film companies in Switzerland desired to acquire all of our commercial film. We accordingly drew up a new standard contract for a five-year lease with the purchaser, Louis Aclor, son of the President of Switzerland, and the sale was made of all our commercial film. Financial arrangements of this sale were such that we were able to satisfy the producers. This transaction closed the film activities of the ccmmittee in this territory, and gave promise of considerable exploitation of American film in Switzerland, through Mr. Ador's agency.

[← Foreign Press Bureau](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/27-foreign-press-bureau/) [Foreign Picture Service →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/29-foreign-picture-service/)

Complete Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Information, George Creel, Chairman, Committee on Public Information. A work of the United States government, printed by the Government Printing Office in 1920, so not protected by copyright in the United States (17 U.S.C. 105) and in the public domain by age as well. The Library of Congress states that it is unaware of any copyright restrictions on the item. [Provenance and rights](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-cpi-complete-report-1920/).