Anti-Divorce Film BY IRIS CONLAY
HOLLYWOOD'S first contribution towards the fight of the Church against divorce " is the hierarchy of America's reaction to a new Paramount film, I Want a Divorce, recently previewed by Mgr. Thomas J. O'Dwyer, head of the Archdiocesan Catholic Charities Bureau, professors From Loyola University and Catholic pressmen.
" [fere is the movie industry's first evidence of willingness , to ally itself with us in one effort to preserve the sanctity of the home. Mgr. O'Dwyer said at the preview. " The picture," he continued, " is well worth seeing, snot only for those whose ina ritni lives are clouded by lack of faith and fortitude, but for those as well who have found and held true the happiness of Holy Matrimony, and those who look forward to it."
MGR. John Mufroy, president of Ametica's VI National Conference of Catholic Charities, also present at I Want a Divorce, commented on the film's castigation of the practices or lawyers who do not hesitate to break up homes to earn their fee, " The evil influence .of lawyers who, unfortunately, prostitute their profession for gain in the civil courts is strikingly brought out in this picture. It is a recognised fact that a profession which should contribute much to social stability and to the happiness of home life assists but infrequently in electing reconciliations.
" The Court of Conciliation referred to .in the picture should become a reality. It would fit into the ludicied set-up of el eq. large community where there is a prevalence of divorce. It could do much to support the legislatiou of the Church, even as it affects Catholic marriage, and it would be a boon to all right-thinking people.
" The fact that a child is horn to a married couple is sufficient reason to prevent
separation. The influence of older people who have withstood temptations of headstrong youth is well illustrated by Grandma arid Grandpa Brokaw. The suicidal ending shows the ultimate outcome where there are no restraints directed by the laws of God or His Grace coming from prayer and the reception of the Sacraments."
THE details of the story of I Want a Divorce are not yet availabie in this country, but Joan Blondell and Dick Powell star in the film and its director is Ralph• Murphy, a Catholic. Officially it is not encouragingly described as "comedy drama," with " numerous comedy highlights to relieve the full dramatic import of its message. Stark tragedy walks hand-in-hand with quick, easy divorce throughout the entire story."
We await "1 Want a Divorce" with interest.