Cinema Center Films: Hollywood's Forgotten Conservative Gem
Once upon a time in the late 1960s, a little-known conservative powerhouse called Cinema Center Films emerged in the heart of Hollywood. Founded by CBS in 1967, this film production company was a bold attempt to bring a fresh, conservative perspective to the silver screen. Operating out of Los Angeles, Cinema Center Films was a unique venture that sought to challenge the liberal dominance of the film industry. It was a time when the cultural revolution was in full swing, and the entertainment world was awash with left-leaning narratives. But Cinema Center Films dared to be different, and its story is one that deserves to be told.
First off, let's talk about the audacity of CBS. In a world where Hollywood was increasingly becoming a bastion of liberal ideology, CBS decided to take a stand. They launched Cinema Center Films with the aim of producing movies that would appeal to Middle America, the silent majority who felt alienated by the counterculture movement. This was a bold move, and it was one that paid off in spades. Cinema Center Films produced a string of successful movies that resonated with audiences who were tired of the same old Hollywood narratives.
One of the most notable films produced by Cinema Center Films was "Little Big Man" (1970), a satirical Western that starred Dustin Hoffman. While it may not seem like an obvious choice for a conservative film company, "Little Big Man" was a clever critique of the establishment and a celebration of individualism. It was a film that challenged the status quo and offered a fresh perspective on American history. This was the kind of innovative storytelling that Cinema Center Films was known for, and it was a testament to their commitment to producing thought-provoking content.
Another standout film from Cinema Center Films was "A Man Called Horse" (1970), a Western that starred Richard Harris. This film was a gritty, realistic portrayal of the American frontier, and it was a far cry from the sanitized, romanticized versions of the West that Hollywood had been churning out for years. "A Man Called Horse" was a film that celebrated the rugged individualism and self-reliance that are at the heart of the American spirit. It was a film that spoke to the values of Middle America, and it was a hit at the box office.
Cinema Center Films also produced "Scrooge" (1970), a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale. This film was a celebration of traditional values and the importance of family and community. It was a film that resonated with audiences who were looking for a break from the cynicism and nihilism that had become so prevalent in Hollywood. "Scrooge" was a reminder of the power of redemption and the importance of holding onto one's values in a changing world.
Despite its success, Cinema Center Films was short-lived. The company was shuttered in 1972, just five years after it was founded. But its impact on the film industry was undeniable. Cinema Center Films proved that there was a market for conservative films, and it paved the way for future filmmakers who wanted to challenge the liberal orthodoxy of Hollywood. It was a bold experiment that showed that there was room for diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
Cinema Center Films may be a forgotten chapter in Hollywood history, but its legacy lives on. It was a company that dared to be different, and it was a company that proved that conservative values could find a place in the world of film. In a time when the entertainment industry is more polarized than ever, the story of Cinema Center Films is a reminder that there is always room for diverse perspectives and that the power of storytelling knows no political boundaries.