We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
114 COMMUNISM IN MOTION-PICTURE INDUSTRY Mr. Wood. Yes, sir. Mr. Da Silva. .It is not to be read. Mr. Tavenner. My question was, Will you please furnish the com- mittee a brief statement of your educational background? Mr. Da Silva. At this point, may I object to being called to testify against myself in this hearing. I object because the first and fifth amendments and all of the Bill of Eights protect me from any inqui- sitorial procedure, and I may not be compelled to cooperate with this committee in producing evidence designed to incriminate me and to drive me from my profession as an actor. The historical Mr. Wood. Would an answer to that question incriminate you? You were asked to furnish a statement of your educational back- ground. Would a true answer to that question incriminate you ? If so, you have a right to protect yourself. Mr. Da Silva. You want me to make this objection at a time when I think an answer to the question will incriminate me? - Mr. Wood. If a true answer to any question asked you by counsel or any member of this committee would tend to incriminate you and you so swear, you have a right to claim it, as I understand the law. Mr. Margolis. It is our position that this witness is in the same position as a defendant, and I think he should be allowed to complete this objection. Mr. Wood. He is not a defendant here. He is a witness. Mr. Margolis. It is our contention that he is and will suffer the consequences and pains in many respects. Mr. Wood. He will suffer the consequences of testifying falsely, if he does so. If he refuses to answer without valid ground, he is sub- jecting himself, as you well know, to a proceeding for contempt of Congress. It is a matter you can advise him about. You have that privilege any time you want. Mr. Tavenner. Now, will you answer the question, please? Mr. Da Silva. I attended the public schools of New York City; Bronx High School; and for a term, City College of New York. Mr. Tavenner. When did you spend a term in City College of New York? Mr. Da Silva. I was born in 1009. I was about 17. That would make it about 1926. I also attended Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh for a short semester, working through college by working in the Jones & Laughlin steel mill. Mr. Tavenner. What is your present address ? Mr. Da Silva. My present address is 936 North Stanley Avenue, Hollywood 46, Calif. Mr. Taven \er. And what is your present occupation ? Mr. Da Silva. My present occupation is acting. Mr. Tavenner. Have you ever held the position of vice president of the Civil Rights Congress, that is, the New York chapter of the Civil Rights Congress? Mr. Da Silva. Mr. Chairman, it is very clearly the object of this committee to tie me in with organizations which are in its disfavor, and therefore I object, and now I will tell you my objection. Mr. Wood. We are not interested in your objection. We are in- terested in knowing whether you will answer the question.