Cinema: Academy Awards

Organized in 1927 to promote mutual understanding between the various branches of the industry, the high-sounding Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences now exists mainly for an annual banquet at which its 700 members can gorge, guzzle and gratify their egomania by awarding prizes for meritorious cinema performances. Last month it looked as if this year's banquet might degenerate into an open brawl. Cliques in the Academy objected to the six nominations for best performances because Bette Davis, Shirley Temple, George Arliss and others were omitted. The Awards Committee quickly changed its rules to permit members to "write in" their...