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426 MOTION-PICTURE JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES
Mr. McCann. In the article above referred to appearing in the June 20, 1947, issue of the Commonweal, you referred to Mr. Sorrell, did you not, as possessing "certain of the qualities which to me are a reflection of genuine holiness"?
Father Dunne. I don't like to end the quote there. That is a quote, but I mean I think the full context should be read of what I stated, because I went on to explain in what sense I used the words "genuine holiness."
Mr. McCann. You used it, but it was in a context you think should also be included?
Father Dunne. That is correct. I will explain the context, if you want an answer to the question.
Mr. McCann. I think you are entitled to do so, if you desire to.
Father Dunne. I went on to say that after stating, in my opinion, Mr. Sorrell had some of the qualities which reflected what I regarded as holiness, I went on to say :
Maybe I am a sucker, but the meaning of "holiness" itself was something that so many erroneous views exist about.
I had so many people, unlike Mr. Sorrell, that have all the external trappings that pass in the minds of most people for holiness. They have the appearance of respectability, wear the garments of righteousness, the outside of the cup made clean, but who know nothing of justice or mercy or charity and shut the Kingdom of God against men.
Mr. Sorrell, these are not the words of the article, this is the sense, this is my opinion, though he lacks many of the external signs that many people, as in the time of Pharisees, themselves confuse with holiness, the external appearance of respectability ; though he is a rough person externally in appearance, he has native goodness and integrity and honesty. He speaks liis mind, sometimes bluntly. He has given and taken many a blow fighting for things and principles and people he believes in — and I inject the remark I have already remarked in the article — he was. after all, not a saint, and consequently was capable of anger, flaring up, and even capable of violence. Many good men when vital issues are at stake, when they think their personal honor has been infringed upon, are capable of flaring up and resorting to violence.
As to Mr. Sorrell, it is not a reflection on his character basically. He impresses me as a man who was honest and has integrity and has fought for people and things he believed in, and was willing to go to jail and remain in jail so long as he has a clear conscience.
He is capable of kindness and tenderness and affection. I have seen it in his attitude toward some of his people. All those things impress me as bein gmarks of precondition of holiness. That is the context.
Mr. McCann. You know, do you not, that in the 1945 and 1946 strike several thousand strikers were arrested as a result of their activities on massed picket lines?
Father Dunne. That is correct.
Mr. jMcCann. When some of such persons so arrested were tried in court, charged with penal offenses, did you testify as a character witness for them ?
Father Dunne. I did. But I think I should be permitted to explain that, too, Mr. McCann.