Letter: How Hollywood sells America

Sir: The French may have more of a point than even they realise about the American film and television industries.

More than 60 years ago, Joseph P. Kennedy encouraged his fellow American bankers to back Hollywood for its value to US business as a whole. In a speech at Harvard (14 March, 1927), he said: 'One of the most formidable trade obstacles that foreign countries are facing today is the fact that American films serve as silent salesmen for other products of American industry.' (Quoted by Gloria Swanson in her autobiography.)

Plus ca change.

Yours sincerely,

ARTHUR POTTERSMAN

London, WC2