April 12, 1966🇺🇸Document

DoD Demands Changes to Hollywood Film 'Project Saucer' to Protect CIA References

On April 12, 1966, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense sent a letter to a Hollywood production studio objecting to a potential film, 'Project Saucer.' The DoD demanded: delete CIA references ('It would not be appropriate to place one of their men in the position fictionalized'), correct factual errors about Project Blue Book, and remove unflattering Air Force portrayals.

Date
April 12, 1966
Location
Washington, D.C.🇺🇸
Type
Document
Country
🇺🇸 United States
Map

Background

The Agency received a copy of a letter prepared by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense and sent to a Hollywood production studio on April 12. The letter expressed strong disagreement with multiple factors expressed in a potential film, 'Project Saucer.' The DoD strongly suggested several changes:

1. Delete a reference to the CIA: 'It would not be appropriate to place one of their men in the position fictionalized.'
2. 'The UFO investigation is not set-up factually.' Enclosed was a February 1, 1966 resource from Project Blue Book.
3. The character of the Air Force general at a testing site was uncomplimentary.
4. The Air Force's role in the testing was unclear.
5. Regarding an airdrop in China, the Air Force should not be included.