Aug. 17, 1964 - Robert Rossen (pictured), director-producer of “Lilith,” today demanded the resignation of Dr. Luigi Chiarini, director of the forthcoming Venice Film Festival, and defended his movie, which has been withdrawn as the festival’s official American entry. Dr. Chiarini reportedly called “Lilith” “artistically inferior.”
Unofficial invited entries from Japan and India also have been withdrawn, reportedly because of other advance criticism by the Italians. The festival is scheduled to open on Aug. 27.
At a press conference at the home office of Columbia Pictures, Mr. Rossen said Dr. Chiarini’s remarks about “Lilith” were “tyrannical” and “typical of the new cult of snobs” who ignore films made on a creative, worldwide basis.
He said the comments represented an unwarranted reflection on reputable Hollywood figures who selected the festival entry under Governments sponsorship.
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