Permit application files A4706

Permit application files

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

The Motion Picture Division required film distributers in New York State to obtain permission to screen films. This series consists of applications for permits to exhibit motion pictures in New York State. Many of the files apparently relate to newsreels, educational and training films, and entertainment films receiving permits rather than licenses. Information includes film titles, number of reels, total film footage, and name of producer and/or film distributor. Also included are documentaries labeled "films determined to be newsreels."

Creator:

New York (State). Motion Picture Division

Creator:

New York (State). Motion Picture Commission

Title:

Permit application files

Quantity:

11 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1921-1963

Bulk Dates:

(bulk 1920s

Series Number:

A4706

Arrangement

Numerical;Arranged corresponding to date of application.

Administrative History

The Motion Picture Division required film distributers in the State of New York to obtain permission to screen individual copies of films. When permission was granted, the distributor received a permit certificate and film leaders which were then attached to each motion picture.

Scope and Content Note

These files contain applications for permits to exhibit motion pictures in New York State. Many of the files apparently relate to newsreels, educational and training films, and entertainment films receiving permits rather than licenses from the Division. Some foreign entertainment films documented in the series were classified by the Division as "educational in character in that [their] purpose is to acquaint the public with the various trends in motion picture production throughout the world."

The files consist of applications from film distributors to the Motion Picture Commission (later the Motion Picture Division) requesting permits to screen movies. The files also include copies of permits granted by the division to the applicants. The application forms provide title of film, number of reels, total film footage, and name of producer and/or film distributor.

Of particular interest is a subgroup of files labeled "films determined to be newsreels." These films were in fact documentaries covering a variety of topics such as Communist Party activities in France, the Spanish Civil War, the Hitler Youth movement, and the Japanese invasion of China. Files include samples of dialogue and reviews.