MOVIES - Jan. 25, 1989

The American Red Cross is concerned about “the improper or unauthorized use” of the Red Cross emblem in films and television productions, which can bring “serious consequences, some affecting the lives of people in trouble around the world.” The improper use could also result in legal action instigated by the Red Cross, says Richard F. Schubert, president of the American Red Cross. (The United States Criminal Code, Section 706, prohibits the use of the Red Cross emblem without permission from the American Red Cross.) He cited “Punchline,” “Disorderlies” and “The Living Daylights” as recent films that in his view misused the Red Cross emblem. In “Living Daylights,” the Red Cross emblem appeared on packages being used to smuggle heroin, an association the organization thinks is counterproductive for its humanitarian efforts. Schubert says some headway is being made in the industry and cited ABC’s “China Beach” as one program that is cooperating in using the emblem properly.