The controversy surrounding the Chinese film "Pioneers" is analyzed and presented as a case study of a film caught in the recent two-line struggle in literature and art in the People's Republic of China. Within the history of the arts in China, there has been a difference of opinion between those in favor of the continued portrayal of bourgeois themes and those who believe in the exclusive depiction of the struggles of the worker. Those two opposing views have come to be called the two-line struggle in literature and art. "Pioneers" is a feature length film documenting the successful establishment of a model revolutionary industrial community near Siberia. It was filmed in the early 1970s at the suggestion of Premier Chou En-lai. However, upon its completion in 1975, its release was banned by Chiang Ch'ing, Mao's wife, whom he had made overseer of all fine arts productions. She condemned the film for glorifying the achievements of specific individuals. Mao disagreed with her decision, but she persisted in keeping the film and its producers under surveillance. Since the arrest of Chiang Ch'ing in October 1976, Mao's successor has allowed the film to be released. Perhaps this indicates his support of Chou En-lai and Mao or perhaps he sees no serious errors in revolutionary thought in the film's content. (Author/AV)