To boost US image, flood world with classic films: US lawmaker

Not just any movies but wholesome ones. Watson8217;s personal favourite is the musical Meet Me in St. Louis, starring Garland.

Two other candidates she named were National Velvet, starring Taylor, and Lassie Come Home, both of which were shot in the United States but set in England.

8220;We can choose what we really feel represents us in the best light,8221; she said. 8220;We8217;re not going to do films of war. We8217;re not going to do films that have great violence in them. We8217;re not going to do films of slavery. I wouldn8217;t want to do Gone With the Wind. That8217;s not the image I want to promote.8221;

Watson 73, is herself a former diplomat, having served as US ambassador to Micronesia during the Clinton administration.

One problem is that funding cuts and terrorism concerns have tightened access to the libraries. So Watson has introduced a Bill that would open the libraries to the public 8220;to the greatest extent practicable8221; while maintaining security and to schedule films highlighting 8220;American culture, society, values, and history8221;.

The proposal wouldn8217;t require any funding, Watson hopes, because she is seeking donations of DVDs and equipment to play them. She figures that people in the industry have plenty of freebies to share, including Oscar screeners and promotional DVDs.

Johnny Grant, Hollywood8217;s unofficial mayor, has offered DVDs from his 800-film collection, including classics such as 8220;Mr. Smith Goes to Washington8221; and 8220;White Christmas8221; in which he has a bit part. Watson proposes to name the public screenings 8220;The Johnny Grant Film Series.8221;

8220;People are always calling me saying, 8220;8216;I have all of these movies. What can I do with them?8217; 8220; Grant said. 8220;Now I have an answer 8212; get hold of Congresswoman Watson and send them overseas.8221;

The State Department doesn8217;t take positions on proposed legislation but is willing to work with Congress on ways to support ongoing public diplomacy efforts, spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said.

While films from Hollywood8217;s early years might seem dated, they would help give foreigners a sense of America8217;s history and values, said Joshua S. Fouts, director of the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy.

8220;People around the world are really hungry to learn about the US,8221; he said.