Shipping Company Objects To "Titanic" Film

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 33, 27 January 1939, Page 38

Shipping Company Objects To "Titanic" Film

‘PLANS for making a film about the Titanic disaster were announced some time ago. It is now stated that the Cunard White Star Line has lodged a formal complaint against the project with the Department of State in Washington. The White Star liner Titanic sank in the Atlantic after collision with an iceberg on her maiden voyage to the United States on April 21, 1912, with a loss of 1503 lives. Officials of the shipping company admit that they were aware that the project had been under discussion for several months, but say that any action in such a matter could be taken only in the company’s head office in England. It was obvious, however, they added, that objection could be taken, since a film of this nature might alarm travellers. Replied an official of Selznick International Pictures: "We have no intention of abandoning the pi ture. In fact, we have brought Richard Blaker, the English novel- ' ist, to write the story, and engaged the British director, Alfred Hitcheock, to make the film." Hitcheock himself stated that in conferences he had had with representatives of the leading shipping companies in London they had ex- pressed coneern in ease the film should lessen the con-idence of travellers. "| pointed out,’ said Mr. Hitchcock, "that the film should have the opposite effect. As a result of the Titanic disaster, laws were introduced providing for wireless, lifeboat accommodation for all passengers and crew, and an tce patrol."