Mass Meeting

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 10 (Supplement)

Mass Meeting

WARNING AGAINST SUBVERSIVE AGENCIES Some weeks ago an extraordinary mass meeting of the film industry was held in Hollywoodj says an exchange. Convened, by Mr. H. M. Warner, president of Warner Bros., it was attended by some. 6000 people, from representatives of the film companies to studio employees.

The chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the southern district of California was on the dais. Players present -included James Cagney, Herbert Marshall, Charles Ruggles, George Brent and Pat O'Brien.

In hia ninety-minute address Mr. Warner warned the film industry against its enemies within. He indicated un-American groups, Nazi, Fascist and Communist alike. He stated that there was no place in the film industry or in the country at large for Fifth Columnists.

Five prominent Hollywood personalities ware summoned to appear before an inquiry into fifth column activities. Comedian Lionel Stander: playwright Clifford Odets: actress Gale Sondergaard: writer Samuel Ornitz, and director Herbert Bibennan were the persons cited. Fifty other film players are likely to be called. It was reported last month that the Dies Committee, inquiring into "un-American" activities, had received a Hollywood list. Forty-two well-known players and executives were alleged to be linked with the Communist Party. Tins action follows charges by the Los Angeles district attorney, Buron Fitts, of widespread Communism in the film industry.