Washblog

Her plan: Stock libraries of U.S. embassies and consulates with the films, then loosen restrictions so the public in each nation has access to them.

Not just any movies -- wholesome ones. A personal favorite is the 1944 musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," starring Garland. Two other candidates she named were "National Velvet," starring Taylor, from 1944, and "Lassie Come Home" (1943).

"We can choose what we really feel represents us in the best light," she said. "We're not going to do films of war. We're not going to do films that have great violence in them. We're not going to do films of slavery. I wouldn't want to do 'Gone With the Wind.' That's not the image I want to promote."

Give our foreign friends bread and circuses - well, the circuses part. But make sure it's good PR, the stories that make Americans feel good about themselves: winsome children, noble animals, family farms, and folks who spontaneously break out into song on delightfully quaint Main Street USA.

Then maybe those foreigners will love us again.

As Rep Watson cautions, we must choose carefully. Plenty of American classics would send the wrong message. (I met Egyptian young'uns in my travels who knew, from seeing American movies, that Chicago was synonymous with gangsters. "Are you from Chicago?") Nothing with wars, slavery, crime, or suffering Depression-era Okies. Nothing with Indians or Black people, unless they're happily singing: "It's the truth, it's actual Everything is satisfactual Zipidee-do-dah, zipidee-ay My oh my, what a wonderful day..."

And best of all this wouldn't cost much because private donations would stock the embassies'libraries:

One problem is that funding cuts and terrorism concerns have tightened access to the libraries. So Watson has introduced a bill that would open the libraries to the public "to the greatest extent practicable" while maintaining security and to schedule films highlighting "American culture, society, values and history."

The proposal wouldn't require any funding, Watson hopes, because she is seeking donations of DVDs and equipment to play them. She figures that people in the industry have plenty of freebies to share, including Oscar screeners and promotional DVDs.

Johnny Grant, Hollywood's unofficial mayor, has offered DVDs from his 800-film collection, including classics such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "White Christmas" (in which he has a bit part). Watson proposes to name the public screenings "The Johnny Grant Film Series."