‘king of Kings’ Film Calls Forth Objections in Chicago; Revisions Demanded

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Mayor William Hale Thompson has declared he will aid Chicago Jews in their efforts to have objectionable scenes removed from the motion picture “King of Kings” the first performance of which was given here Monday.

The Mayor’s attention was called to the Jewish attitude toward the picture about a month ago. Alderman Jacob Arvey asked the Police Commissioner Michael Hughes to deny a permit for the picture. In Chicago, the police chief controls the issuance of permits for pictures and the censorship board is under his direction. Mr. Hughes talked the matter over with the Mayor who asked the city collector, Morris Eller, to present all available matter on the controversy. When fully informed of the situation, Mayor Thompson ordered that the permit granted the “King of Kings” in 1926 be revoked and instructed Assistant Corporation Counsel James Breen to fight any efforts by producers to obtain permit until the special Jewish committee named by the Mayor had passed on the picture. Members of the committee are Rabbi Benjamin Markus, Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof and Leon Zolotkoff, editor of the “Courier.”

The Pathe Company on Saturday instituted court proceedings before Judge Hugo Friend, asking that he grant them an injunction which would prevent the chief of police from interfering with the exhibition of the picture. Corporation Counsel Breen appeared and fought the action at the same time stating the attitude of the Mayor.

As all of the seats in the house had been sold for the first performance it was decided to give the picture a temporary permit. The Jewish committee and Judge Friend attended the first showing of the picture and afterwards the committee met with Mr. Breen at the Covenant Club and announced its

Mr. Peters, representing the film company, announced that the version of the picture being shown in Chicago was the one that had been endorsed by the B’nai Brith and Louis Marshall.

The Chicago committee, however, announced that they thought that the picture should be suppressed entirely, but they would be satisfied if certain changes were made in the picture. Mr. Breen declared that the suggested changes would have to be made or he would order Hughes to cancel the temporary permit. This would result in further court action.

Rabbi Felix A. Levy of Temple Emanuel urged the members of his congregation on Sunday not to attend the “King of Kings” picture and to tell all their friends also to shun the film.

Cardinal George Mundelein, Bishop of Chicago area, was given a private showing of the “King of Kings” on Friday and declared himself much pleased with the picture.

The opening of the remodelled Beth Israel synagogue at Malden. Mass took place on Sunday with upwards of 500 members of the congregation participating in the ceremonies.

Temple Tifereth Israel was dedicated Sunday afternoon, by the Jews of Stapleton, Staten Island, New York. The temple, which will include school and social facilities was put up at a cost of $75,000.