I was reminded at mass last evening that yesterday (Monday) was the 50th anniversary of the election of Pope John XXIII, and also the 50th anniversary of the death of Fr. Wilfrid Parsons, SJ, editor in chief of America Magazine from 1925-1936. Parsons was very involved with the creation of the Legion of Decency and the Production Code for Hollywood films, which dictated the moral standards for Hollywood films for 20 years. Fellow editor Joseph Breen left America to work as head censor in Hollywood, and for some time was considered the most powerful man in Hollywood (as well as perhaps oneofthe meanest).
I’ve posted a few great stories about Parsons on my blog. Enjoy.
Jim McDermott, SJ
