People, Feb. 1, 1960

Some 1,200 undergraduates packed the debating chamber of the Oxford University Union Society to hear the titans. The resolution before the group: "That this house holds America responsible for spreading vulgarity in Western society." Chief spokesman for the affirmative: Britain's wily Gamesman Stephen Potter. Voice of the negative: rotund, orotund Orson Welles, not a whit shaken by his introduction as "the best film director-actor in the world today.'' Welles readily agreed that stereotyped U.S. culture is not easily defended: "This mass reduction of human dignity makes me sick." But he hastened to absolve...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!