Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
An interesting question is why have there been so few Scout film made. One would think that a group that so many boys have
been involved in wouls have had any number of films made about it. Scouting in America was the principal non-school actibity
for boys until the 1970s when many more activities became increasingly available. As it apparent from this page, however, a
very small number of films have touched on Scouting--and really only one (Follow Me Boys!) actually really devoted to
Scouting. This is especially surprising given the relatively large number of films devoted to the Hitler Youth which operated for a
realtively short period. HBC can not answer this question authoritatively, but we can suggest some possible factors. Some
possible factors include the following: 1) Movies like dramatic situations, perhaps Scouting was considered too prosaic. 2)
Similarly the basically positive image of Scouting appears to attract fewer film makers than the negative inage of the Hitler
Youth. 3) Films are now focused on the teen market, and it is common for modern to teens to dismiss Scouting and as a resukt
may not want to see a film about Scouting. 4) The BSA in America has put legal barriers in the depiction of Scouts thus many
producers may simply avoid the topic. These are somplu some of our initial thoughts, we would be interested in reader insightgs
on the subject. These are somplu some of our initial thoughts, we would be interested in reader insightgs on the subject.
Movies like dramatic situations, perhaps Scouting was considered too prosaic. The Hitler Youth, for example, may provide more dramatic situations.
Similarly the basically positive image of Scouting appears to attract fewer film makers than the negative image of the Hitler Youth. The Hitler Youth seems to intrigues filmwatchers because of its connection to the Third Reich, to Hitler. Evil always exerts a
fascination over movie goers, historians, the public. The Wicked Witch of the West is better remembered than Glinda, the Good Witch in "Wizard of Oz". The same for Cruella De Ville, Malificent, the witch from "Sleeping Beauty, and other "charismatic" icons of evil. These antagonists, the villains, just leave a deeper impression than the prosaic heroes! A HBC reader comments, "Considering the sorts of films churned out for younger audiences these days, I'm glad in a way that the Scouts and other traditional organizations have not become the subject of more films. The films HBC has collected on Scouting are still today beautifully made and a joy to watch. We'll continue the hunt for these good films, TV shows, or any media."
Films are now focused on the teen market, and it is common for modern to teens to dismiss Scouting and as a resukt may not want to see a film about Scouting. The media is said to have only one real bias: in favor of profits. It is an arguable conclusion, true, but it
has merit. Young Americans, especially teens, make up the most avid filmgoers. Because Scouting is a youth organization, it would seem a likely subject for films, one sure to make a profit. Scouting has suffered from some negative media publicity for various reasons in recent years and may be a tough sell to teen audiences. Film makers
realize young people today look elsewhere for role
models and heroes besides Scouting.
The BSA in America has put legal barriers in the depiction of Scouts thus many producers may simply avoid the topic. A HBC reader comments, "One factor HBC cite, the BSA's legal rights, is quite valid.
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