A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Dec. 15, 1952: A clipping from the Indianapolis Star tells of the dispute over Charlie Chaplin that rocked the Art Institute there. Mrs. C.B. LaDine, chairman of Americanism and Civil Defense Committee, took on John E. Brown, curator of education at the museum, and protested against a festival of Chaplin films arranged for children. Brown accused the committee of hysterical fear of subversive movements. The ladies, numbering 30,000 with their affiliate groups, replied, "We believe there are plenty of top quality comedians to whom we can turn for entertainment. Let us cease paying homage to a man who, by his words and actions, despises the heritage and freedom of the children who are watching his antics." Gosh! Wish I'd said that.