If editing the Quarterly for almost two years has been like an introductory course in DGA history, this issue has been the intensive, the total submersion. It has been in the planning stage for a long time—70 years really. The problem in trying to cover so much ground is that with so many wonderful accomplishments, so many dedicated people contributing to the Guild over the years, how do you choose? So any issue like this by its nature is a selective history. We have tried to hit some of the obvious high points and recognize some of the members who have worked tirelessly for the common cause. In the past, the Quarterly has generally explored the craft side of history, this time the Guild itself is the story.

For instance, Steve Pond, in his piece on the founding of the Guild, has tried to unravel the mystery of who actually was at the those two famous meetings in late 1935 and early 1936 at King Vidor’s house that resulted in the formation of this organization. I think he’s come up with some interesting answers.

James Ulmer was similarly consumed by the one of the most fascinating and important chapters in Guild history—the attempted recall of President Joseph Mankiewicz amidst the Red Scare in Hollywood. What makes this chapter so intriguing is the passion the members brought to that fateful meeting in October 1950. Ulmer has gone back to the original transcripts, and received a major assist from George Stevens Jr., whose father was a key player that night. When it came time for Ulmer to turn in his story, it had grown to twice the size of the original assignment. And we left it that way. I think you will agree it deserves every word.

Frank Capra was a two-time president and beloved figure in Guild history. But beyond that, he was, of course, a gifted filmmaker. In our DVD Classics column, Gary Giddins takes another look at Capra’s Depression-era films, the ones his reputation rests on, and finds something quite unexpected. The films are deeper and more subtle than he thought.

And what better director to include in this historic issue than Steven Spielberg, who has absorbed and digested so much film history himself and turned it into his own personal vision. Guild member Richard Schickel spent four hours interviewing Spielberg for an upcoming special on Turner Classic Movies, and our story is excerpted from that conversation.

But more than anything, this issue of the Quarterly remains a testament to 70 years of Guild history. As you may imagine, it was quite a project to put together and kudos go to our splendid and tireless art director Nancy Duckworth for making all the pieces fit and never losing her cool.

For me, it has been a privilege to work on this issue of the Quarterly, and to contribute to the celebration.

Best,
James Greenberg
Editor in Chief