From the Word Factory

Hollywood, which is notoriously touchy about harsh words from outsiders, listened last week to a plain-spoken spat between two of its own. Producer Sam Goldwyn began it by deciding to toss in his lot with the independent film producers (S.I.M.P.P.). He announced that he was quitting the two trade associations of the major studios (M.P.A.A. and A.M.P.P.), because "there must be a return to real free enterprise in our industry." Dapper Eric Johnston, who heads them both, took a deep breath and fired:

"Our members ... are relieved by Mr. Goldwyn's withdrawal. During his association with us, he has demonstrated a unique . . . flair for saying one thing and doing exactly the opposite. Mr. Goldwyn's fabulous . . . success ... is irrefutable proof that free enterprise [exists] . . ."

Like all Goldwyn productions, the producer's prompt rebuttal was painstaking and wellpublicized. Said he: "Johnston's manners are as bad as his judgment . . . I had hoped to withdraw . . . without commenting on [his] leadership, but this latest effusion from his word factory impels me to state a few matters . . .

"During the period he has been president of the Motion Picture Association of America, the public relations of the industry have declined alarmingly. Mr. Johnston's contributions to building fine relations between the public and our business have consisted mostly of turning the offices of the M.P.A.A. into a personal press bureau for Eric Johnston.

"The motion-picture industry has survived many misfortunes, and I am confident that it will survive Eric Johnston."

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