Every now and then the U. T. performs a signal act of merit which makes everyone forget its occasional Grade B pictures. Last year it was the showing of "Mayerling" which brought plaudits, and today it is "Der Unsterbliche Walzer." In presenting this German language movie about the life of Johann Strauss, the U. T. is making a real cultural contribution to the Harvard community.

Being anxious to avoid charges of "spreading propaganda," the Committee on Elementary Modern Language Instruction, which is sponsoring the film, chose the most innocuous subject possible. That is a wise move; there are so many people who will object to any German movie being shown, regardless of content, that to present an out-and-out propaganda film would only make criticism more vehement. But once the novelty of German films as such has worn off, the U. T. might well experiment with Nazified productions.

Hollywood has poured forth a steady stream of Kiplingesque spectacles glorifying the British Empire, and French films are not always guiltless of flag-waving either, though Danielle Darrieux is the best bit of Parisian propaganda we can think of. There seems little reason, why the Nazis should not also be given their day in court--provided their offerings are labelled and recognized for what they are.

On this point, "reasonable men may differ." But there can be no disagreement about the desirability of purely cultural productions like tonight's. Those who remember with regret the blackout of German culture which World War I produced might well show their appreciation to the Modern Language Committee by visiting the U. T. tonight, and there's always Barbara Stanwyck.