Everyone within range of a television set or newspaper is aware of the latest todo over "Showgirls," a hotly contested NC-17 [No children under 17 allowed] movie released by MGM/UA on September 22nd. MGM is the studio that gave us wonderful movies like "High Society" Grace Kelly’s final picture in 1956 and "King of Kings" in 1961.
What is noteworthy about this particular movie is that it is being welcomed with open arms by theater owners across the country. The latest reports claim that this controversial film will appear on 1300 screens, or about twice as many as showed the first NC-17 movie "Henry and June" in 1990.
This $40 million movie was written and directed by Joe Eszterhas and Paul Verhoeven, the same team that collaborated on another controversial film "Basic Instinct." Elizabeth Berkley, the star of "Showgirls" was last seen in the television series "Saved by the Bell" created by Peter Engle, a devout Christian. It’s been reported that MGM/UA is spending another $40 million on publicity and advertising in a conscious effort to win public acceptance for "Showgirls" and NC-17 films in general.
For over four years The Dove Foundation has worked hard to encourage and promote the production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. This is no small task because it requires that we get our message out on two fronts. First of all, we must persuade film makers and theater owners that the 6,000+ independent studies are right when they declare that "life does imitate art." There is no longer any question that movies can impact audience members for good or for evil. People who were raised with poor role models at home often develop their concepts of socially acceptable behavior from movies and television programs. Entertainer, Steve Allen said he was raised in a dysfunctional home and "learned how to treat a lady by watching Gary Cooper on the big screen."
Many respected pro-family organizations and churches will call for a boycott of theaters that show NC-17 movies, like "Showgirls." I cannot dispute the basis for their recommendations. But, I believe that there is another, perhaps even more effective way to send a message to entertainment executives.
We live in a market-driven society. If we exercise our purchase power as consumers, we can influence film producers and exhibitors by using the movie theater ticket counter as a ballot box, casting our votes for wholesome entertainment. Consider what would happen to our government if all decent citizens refused to cast their vote at election time. The results would be moral bankruptcy in our country. The same can be said for the box office or the video store cash register. One simple rule of capitalism is that suppliers will produce whatever sells. I would therefore encourage you to deliver your message to the film studios and local theaters through a "buycott" rather than a boycott.
The Dove Family Film Festivals will be running in cities throughout the Midwest from October 6th through November 17th. These community-wide events are produced by Dove to provide people with a positive outlet to express their preferences for films that elevate rather than denigrate the social condition. I encourage you as a moviegoer to attend Dove-approved movies as a way of telling Hollywood what kind of stories you want to see more of. While you’re there, stop by and tell the theater management how you feel about movies like "Showgirls." They are always willing to listen to their customers.
Contact The Dove Foundation via e-mail: movies@dove.org. Or on the INTERNET at: http://www.dove.org
If you wish to be added to the Dove mailing list, call: 1-800-218-DOVE(3683).
Dick Rolfe is Chairman of The Dove Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. For more information about wholesome films and videos, write: 535 E. Fulton, Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or call (616)454-5024.
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Updated by: Scott Rolfe