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1506 COMMUNISM IN MOTION-PICTURE INDUSTRY Mr. Wood. It would expedite the work of the committee consider- ably if you would refrain from making unnecessary remarks and an- swer the questions directly that are asked you, and the committee will be very appreciative if you will do that. Mr. Tavenner. When and where were you born, Mr. Chamberlin ? Mr. Chamberlin. I was born on August 2,1911, in New York City. Mr. Tavenner. What has been your educational training? Mr. Chamberlin. My educational training has been in the public and elementary and high schools both in New York City and Cali- fornia. After completion of high school I entered a 2-year course in a school of the theater. Mr. Tavenner. What is your present occupation ? Mr. Chamberlin. My present occupation is an actor, and I find it deeply repugnant and profoundly un-American to be smeared, black- listed, and strangled economically by my presence before this com- mittee. Mr. Wood. Mr. Chamberlin, your presence before this committee is the best form that I know of for you to relieve yourself of any smear or blacklist. Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chamberlin, the committee is in possession of information that you registered as a member of the Communist Party for the 1938 election, and I would like to give you an opportunity to explain that and state whether or not it is true, or to give such explana- tion as you desire to make of it. Mr. Chamberlin. It is my opinion that this committee is invading the rights of a person's personal political views, and, therefore, I must point out in my answer to this question that it neither confirms nor denies guilt in this question, and I invoke my right and my privilege in order not to testify against myself the use of the fifth amendment. Mr. Tavenner. The committee is in possession of information that you are or have been a member of the Communist Party. The com- mittee is investigating the extent of infiltration of communism into the moving-picture industry and in order to conduct that investigation it is necessary to know these facts. Is it true or not that you are a member of the Communist Party or have been ? Mr. Chamberlin. Mr. Tavenner, I believe you are an enlightened person and can understand Mr. Wood. Will you please Mr. Chamberlin (continuing). Answers as I understand the ques- tion Mr. Wood. Just a moment. Just a moment, will you, please. Mr. Chamberlin. I stand on the grounds prevously stated. Mr. Wood. Will you please cease just a moment when I interrupt you ? This is an orderly procedure. We are entitled to at least the courtesy of at least a reply to the questions»we are asking here. Will you please spare us your opinion as to the standing, intelligence, veracity, moral character of members of this committee and its staif, and answer the questions that are directed to you, because we are not concerned at all about your opinions of us. Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chamberlin, you have stated that you are an actor by profession. How long have you been engaged in the prac- tice of your profession in Hollywood ? Mr. Chamberlin. I have engaged—I have been engaged as a pro- fessional actor in Hollywood and its environs since 1936.