Jurisdictional disputes in the motion-picture Industry : hearings before a special subcommittee of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Eightieth Congress, first-session, pursuant to H. Res. 111 (1948)

2028 MOTION-PICTURE JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES Then, from the same issue — and again I call your attention to the fact that this is the time when the trial of Browne and Bioff was continuing— the following press release : Ouster of Browne by IATSE Denied New York, November 2. — A statement denying that George E. Browne had been, ousted as president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees was issued here by James J. Brennan, fifth vice prexy of the IATSE. From Variety of November 4, 1941, headline : 40G Pay-off to Browne Told CHARLES MOSKOWITZ BARES DELIVERY OF SHAKE-DOWN New York. November 3-^Testimony that George E. Browne was paid $40,000 to prevent theater strilves, that Eddie Mannix instructed an executive to call Willie Bioff "Link," and that Bioff expected to make a "couple of million" out of his union connections was given in Federal court here today. Charles Moskowitz, head of Loew's theater department for years, said he personally handed the money to Browne in Moore's restaurant. Then, on November 7, 1941, Daily Variety, headline : "Bioif, Browne Guilty. — Jury out for 2 hours." xlncl Variety of Tuesday, November 11, 1941, head line : "lA Dumps Browne for Walsh — New Prexy Pledges Clean-up." [Reading:] New York, November 10.— The resignation of George E. Browne as president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has been accepted by the IATSE general executive board, and Richard F. Walsh has been elected to fill the unexpired term, which runs to June 1944. Walsh was third, vice prexy of the IATSE, having been elected to that post at the Louisville convention in 1934. He also is president of local 4, Brooklyn stage hands. Variety, November 12, 1941 : "Burned locals seek revenue — Pay-offs to bring new demands" : New York. November 11. — Locals unions of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, resentful of the large sums paid George E. Browne and Willie Bioff, and claiming increased living costs under the war economy, are reported preparing a wave of new severe demands as their contracts expire. Variety of November 13, 1941 : "Bioff Gets 10; Browne 8 — Convicts Lashed by Judge." Then, quoting from the article, which has a date-line "New York, November 12," Judge Knox said : My idea is that di.shonest men, whether they be found in trade, industry, or in the ranks of union labor, should pay the price of their sins. In this case the wrong of these defendants has indeed been heinous. Not only have they violated the laws of the United States, but they have signally betrayed their trusts that were committed to their care. Their concern, instead of being that of the members of the union, was for their personal gain and advantage. Through their acts they disregarded the welfare of the union and brought their organization into disrepute before the public. Right between the eyes, and upon the face of union labor, these men have dealt a blow that will leave its scars for years to come. Recreant to their trust, dishonest in heart, mind, and action, these defendants have served to make clear our knowledge that when personal gain is to be achieved the leaders of labor can be as reprehensible and base as any dishonest leader of capital. Variety, November 24, 1941. Headline: "lA Beefs at 125G Bioff Fee. — Coin for Appeal Nixed." [Reading :]