Four-Letter Choices

Censorship is so repugnant to most moviemakers they would rather have Mondo Freudo shown in a kindergarten than let a censor bowdlerize Ulysses. On the other hand, many parents would sooner burn a theater than let their children watch the crudity visible in all too many "adult films."

Well aware that parental concern about galloping pornography had powerful support in Washington, the Motion Picture Association of America last October announced a new voluntary system of rating pictures--the first in Hollywood history. "We don't want to legally pass judgment on art," explained M.P.A.A. President Jack Valenti. "What we're trying to do is educate the parents." All Mom and Dad have to learn is four letters: G, M, R and X. G is the code's symbol for suggested for general audiences; M: suggested for mature audiences; R: restricted--persons under 16 not admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; and X: persons under 16 not to be admitted.

Since the ratings went into effect Nov. 1, the M.P.A.A. has classified more than 100 pictures. Yellow Submarine, for example, got a G. Only four films, including Birds in Peru, rated an X. Theater owners insist that they are abiding by the code; industry representatives generally believe it will prove workable.

One exception is Walter Reade Jr., president of his own exhibition company; his theaters, incidentally, are showing Birds in Peru. In a speech to the Board of the National Association of Theater Owners, he asked: "How . . . would one deal with the question of running X trailers during the showing of G films? How can one efficiently enforce classification in drive-in theaters?

What happens when blind bids are asked on as yet unrated films? ... I believe the Motion Picture Code and Rating Plan is undesirable, unconstitutional, unworkable, impractical, uneconomical and an attempt to pass the buck."

After a fast canvass of exhibitors, Valenti countered last week by quoting theater owners who told him privately that Reade is "irrational and wrong." Said Valenti, "Even if some other small exhibitors hold out, we feel satisfied with the 80% to 85% that we estimate will voluntarily support us." With that majority demanding proof of age at the box office, youth will now be restricted to four choices: G: go to a Walter Reade Theater; M: mark time until you grow up; R: riot in front of the box office; or X: wait until the movie makes the Late Show.

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