Permit application files

Numerical;Arranged corresponding to date of application.

The Motion Picture Division required film distributers in the State of New York to obtain permission to screen individual copies of films. When permission was granted, the distributor received a permit certificate and film leaders which were then attached to each motion picture.

These files contain applications for permits to exhibit motion pictures in New York State. Many of the files apparently relate to newsreels, educational and training films, and entertainment films receiving permits rather than licenses from the Division. Some foreign entertainment films documented in the series were classified by the Division as "educational in character in that [their] purpose is to acquaint the public with the various trends in motion picture production throughout the world."

The files consist of applications from film distributors to the Motion Picture Commission (later the Motion Picture Division) requesting permits to screen movies. The files also include copies of permits granted by the division to the applicants. The application forms provide title of film, number of reels, total film footage, and name of producer and/or film distributor.

Of particular interest is a subgroup of files labeled "films determined to be newsreels." These films were in fact documentaries covering a variety of topics such as Communist Party activities in France, the Spanish Civil War, the Hitler Youth movement, and the Japanese invasion of China. Files include samples of dialogue and reviews.

This series was transferred from the New York State Library at an unknown date but was not accessioned until 2000.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.