Letters, Aug. 29, 1938

New Deal (Finis)

Sirs:

You wanted an explanation of F. D. R.'s popularity. May I draw a little comparison to help you to the solution? . .

What particular people are most popular with the motion picture audience? The motion picture audience is the nation-wide voting population.

Is it John Barrymore, the greatest Hamlet of his generation? Is it the two very fine actors. Spencer Tracy or Paul Muni? Is it any of the very fine actors who have sincerely studied their craft ? No! The four greatest box-office stars are a nine-year-old girl, an ice skater, a duck and a dummy.

ROBERT HELMLING

New York City

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