Research

Reports


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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 series consists of preliminary and final reports which includes details on financing and operation of motion picture production and distribution; commentary on "improper and indecent sex and vice pictures" and film regulation; information on contracting and rental for exhibition of films; estimates of salaries, admission fees, and profit; and a review of opinion on the necessity for licensing and regulating the industry.
Creator:
Title:
Reports
Quantity:

0.1 cubic feet

(2 volumes)

Inclusive Dates:
1917
Series Number:
B1547

Arrangement

Chronological.

Administrative History

The Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate the Moving Picture Industry was created by a concurrent legislative resolution in 1917 to ascertain the appropriateness of subjecting the moving picture industry to state taxation, and if so, the kind and amount of taxes to be imposed. At the time of this work the industry was of comparatively recent development and run primarily by corporations having offices in New York City, making large profits but paying a small amount in state taxes. The committee estimated that the average daily attendance at motion picture theaters in New York State was about one million.

The committee investigated three branches of the industry: producing, distributing, and exhibiting. It filed its reports in 1917. Recommendations included postponement of special taxation on the industry, as well as the whole amusement field (theater and opera), until the conclusion of World War I; establishment of a bureau to license persons, corporations, and associations engaged in the production, distribution, or exhibition of motion pictures and to regulate the "character" of pictures; and legislation making the theft, mutilation, or destruction of films, film apparatus or devices cause for the cancellation of a license.

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of the preliminary and final reports of the committee. The preliminary report (senate document 1917, no. 27) is dated February 1, 1917, and the final report (assembly document 1917, no. 25) on March 15, 1917. The reports include details on the financing and operation of motion picture production and distribution; commentary on "improper and indecent sex and vice pictures" and film regulation; information on contracting and rental for exhibition of films; estimates of salaries, admission fees, and profits; and a review of opinion on the necessity for licensing and regulating the industry.

Custodial History

This accession resulted from a project by Archives staff in 1997 to accession or refile estrayed or unidentified records.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

Access Terms

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