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70 COMMUNISM IN MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
determine the extent of Communist infiltration into the motion-picture industry.
Since you have been in Hollywood have you had an opportunity and have you observed whether or not tliere is any Communist infiltration into the motion-picture industry?
Mr. Mayer. Could I read a statement, Mr. Chairman?
The Chairman. May I see the statement, please ?
Mr. Mater, Yes, sir.
The Chairman, Yes ; that will be all right.^^
Mr. Mayer. Communism to me is so completely opposed to the principles of democratic government that I welcome the opportunity provided by this committee to be of any service possible to bring out the true facts concerning reported infiltration of un-American ideology into motion pictures.
Like others in the motion-picture industry, I have maintained a relentless vigilance against un-American influences. If, as has been alleged, Communists have attempted to use the screen for subversive purposes, I am proud of our success in circumventing them.
I have abundant reason to cherish the blessings of our democracy, and to resist with all my strength any effort to undermine it. I join with this committee in every determination to safeguard the precious freedom entrusted to us.
During my 25 years in the motion-picture industry I have always souixht to maintain the screen as a force for public good.
The motion-picture industry employs many thousands of people. As is the case with the newspaper, radio, publishing, and theater businesses, we cannot be responsible for the political views of each individual employee. It is, however, our complete responsibility to determine what appears on the motion-picture screen.
It is my earnest hope tliat this committee will perform a public service by recommending to the Congress legislation establishing a national policy regulating employment of Communists in private industry. It is' my belief they should be denied the sanctuary of the freedom they seek to destroy.
Communism is based upon a doctrine inconsistent with American liberty. It advocates destruction of the sj^stem of free enterprise under which our industry has achieved popularity among the freedomloving peoples of the world.
Our hatred of communism is returned in full measure. The Communists attack our screen as an instrument of capitalism. Few, if any, of our films ever reach Eussia. It hates us because it fears us. We show too much of the American way of life, of human dignity, of the opportunity and the happiness to be enjoyed in a democracy.
]More than any other country in the world, we have enjoyed the fullest freedom of speech in all means of communication. It is this freedom that has enabled the motion picture to carry the message to the world of our democratic way of life.
The primary function of motion pictures is to bring entertainment to the screen. But, like all other industries, we were lending every support to our Government in the war effort, and whenever a subject could be presented entertaining, we tried, insofar as possible, to cooperate in building morale.
^= See appendix, p. 525, for exhibit 21.
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