Film trade diplomacy between France and the United States: American and European policies toward the motion picture industry 1945-1971

France has been the main adversary of Hollywood's dominance of the moving image. Using France as an example, the aim of this article is to demonstrate that Hollywood's dominant position in exports is a direct consequence of collusion and monopolistic trade practices among the eight Hollywood corporations in combination with unconditional diplomatic backing. The corporate offices in Manhattan exercised monopolistic power and control over film distribution and exhibition in the U.S. as well as abroad. Their mass production of films aimed at maximizing profits, thereby obstructing innovation in Europe. Primary sources in the U.S. National Archives from the period 1945-1971 demonstrate that Hollywood's trade association, the Motion Picture Association (MPAA), obtained massive diplomatic support from the U.S. Department of State to fend off opposition to Hollywood exports, especially French policies of cultural protectionism, which gained support in trade discussions in the GATT, the OECD, and the EEC.