Bush Praises Film Industry at AFI’s Anniversary Gala

Hollywood invaded the nation’s capital Tuesday night to mark the anniversary of legislation that created the American Film Institute and to honor an industry that President Bush called “the conscience of America.”

Citing the portrayal of drugs’ destructive power in the films “Lean On Me,” “Clean and Sober” and “I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can,” the President thanked the film industry for “helping stop this terrible threat to our kids.” He told the 700 industry moguls, screen personalities, foreign dignitaries and government officials gathered at the gala tribute that he welcomed their leadership on the issue.

He also used the occasion at the National Building Museum to comment on recent industry acquisitions by foreign business interests. “I will do all I can to guarantee property rights so that American film producers are respected,” the President said. “I want to see that American films have unfettered access to foreign markets.”

Tuesday’s event marked the 24th anniversary of the Rose Garden ceremony at which President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the legislation creating the National Endowment for the Arts and its sister endowment for the humanities. Two years later, the endowment spawned the American Film Institute, a private nonprofit entity that works to preserve film and television and to train young film makers.

AFI Director Jean Firstenberg called attention to the current efforts of the institute and several other organizations for film preservation.

“We are honored to share this occasion with our sister institutions throughout the country with whom we share a common bond dedicated to the preservation of our film heritage and the commitment of cinema artists of tomorrow whose ideals and visions shall reach the audience of the world,” she said.

The remarks followed entertainment by actor Steve Martin, singer Marilyn McCoo--who chronicled movie songs--and a tribute to famous movie lines.

Prominent figures stood spotlighted in the cavernous courtyard of the museum, reciting the lines.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. read a line from “42nd Street.” Martin Scorsese delivered a Groucho Marx one-liner. Sherry Lansing uttered a few of Dorothy’s lines from the “Wizard of Oz.” Walter Chronkite his famous sign-off. Even Defense Secretary Dick Cheney participated with “May the Force be with you.”

But the President stole the show with Humphrey Bogart’s “Casablanca” line. “Here’s looking at you, kid,” he said pointing across the room to Mrs. Bush. Then he blushed.

All were reviewed afterward by critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Fishing for an invitation to the White House, each cited the President’s “electric” performance. But then the duo moved on to former President Ronald Reagan.

“Can you believe it, eight years with a movie actor in the White House and critics never got invited,” Ebert said.

“Well, did you see any of his films?” Siskel shot back.

However, in a show of political one-upsmanship, Bush got the last word.

“Barbara and I are just delighted to be here,” he said. “This evening is a classic for name-dropping . . . Marilyn McCoo, you’re invited to the White House anytime and I mean that. Mr. Siskel and Mr. Ebert, you’re not invited, and I mean that, too.”