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60 COMMUNISM IN MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
is concerned, I think 3^011 should tell all things in pictures. I think that if a story has a good point to it — I mean, Grapes of Wrath — things happen in America and I think we should show it.
Mr. SxiaPLiNG. I believe Mr. Johnston, when he aj^peared before the committee, made some mention of Russia's desire to obtain certain pictures which might portray the worst side of the United States. Do you know of any pictures that they have endeavored to obtain to show in Russia ^
Mr. Wood. I don't know as they would be anxious to show" that picture, because, after all, as poor as they were, they did have a piece of ground, and they did have an automobile, and they are at liberty to get the automobile and travel across the country.
Mr. Stripling. Speaking of Grapes of Wrath?
Mr. Wood. Yes; I don't think he would be anxious to show that. He might have started it, but I think they would take it off if they did.
Mr. Stkiplixg. Now, Mr. Wood, since so many Americans attend the motion pictures every week, you are certainly aware of the tremendous propaganda vehicle it affords. Do you feel that the Communists have succeeded in putting in pictures scenes which — or leaving scenes out of pictures — which indirectly attack our system of government ?
Mr. Wood. Well, unquestionably they are always trying. It is very difficult for the American people to understand what you mean b}^ Cf)mnuinist projjaganda in pictures. You might refer to some picture, something is mentioned, and they say, "That is ridiculous, there is no propaganda there,'' because they are looking for some howl for Stalin or showing the Russian way of life. But they dcm't show that. They have nothing to sell. All they want to do is try to unsell America.
Mr. Stripling. That can be done just as effectively by leaving stuff out of pictures as by putting it in?
Mr. W(H)D. Yes: they don'f want to show the American way of life.
Mr. Stripling. These groups or cliques that you have referred to in the motion-picture industry, are they a source of financial assistance to the Community Party in California?
Mr. Wood. Very substantial. For example, at the rally which Katherine Kepburn attended, they raised $87,000 — and you know that didn't go to the Boy Scouts.
Mr. Stripling. Where do you think it went ?
Mr. Wood. AVe will see the results of it. Recently they had a rally for these 19 guests of yours and they raised $10,000. They dig the money up, or else.
Mr. S'liupLiNG. Were you ever approached by any Govermnent representative, Mr. Wood, regarding the making of a film dealing with the Congress of the United States?
Mr. Wood. Yes, sir.
Mr. Stripling. Would you tell the connnittee the circumstances of that ?
Mr. Wood. I got a phone call from Sam Spivak in New York, 1 think he was, or Washington, saying there was a very important picture they wanted made, and particularly wanted me to make it, because it had to be so aiul so. I was delighted to make anvthing that