Cinema: Standing Committee

In 1936, the average Hollywood extra—forgotten man of an industry famed for its riches—worked eleven days, earned a total of $105.63 in twelve months. By 1939 his working days were more than doubled, his earnings more than tripled, but he was still on a starvation income. Two years ago, the industry belatedly realized the social problem presented by this underpaid army of 15,000 who have been an essential to movie making since the first director photographed the first crowd. At a loss for an answer, the producers met with the Screen Actors Guild,...

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