The screen writer (June 1947-Mar 1948)

THE SCREEN WRITER would sue him for divorce if she had peeked through the bedroom window of a certain starlet the other night, when the wife thought her husband was working late at the studio?" Get the idea? No names mentioned, no risk of libel, but, human nature being what it is, that question could cause trouble any day in a dozen homes. Or: "Are the boys at Las Vegas paying you off properly for the ballyhoo you are giving their gilded joints in the Hollywood Reporter?" Or: "What do you hear from the mob? How are Guy and Farmer? Or : "When a certain character recently became an associate producer at one of the major studios, a person whose former Sunset Strip joint you frequented and often mentioned in your trade paper why didn't you call to the attention of at least the Johnston office, the fact that this same character used to be a member of the tight little syndicate that controlled and levied tribute on all gambling and prostitution in our fair community?" See how it works? I haven't accused him of anything. But the answers would be highly interesting. Now let's consider Senator Tenney. I am indebted to Fortnight, the sprightly young California news magazine, for the following published background information on this legislator: "He himself was branded as a Communist before the old Dies Committee in 1938 — about the time he was thrown out as President of the Los Angeles Musicians Union. "He was a Democrat when he was a mere Assemblyman from the Inglewood District; switched to the Republican ticket in 1944 just as he was about to be read out of the Bourbon party for supporting a rival candidate. "Tenney's chief claim to fame is the fact that he wrote the song 'Mexicali Rose' when he led a dance band in Mexicali. He didn't cash in on the song, but will whip out and autograph a copy for anyone who professes to be the least bit interested." Let's interrogate the Senator, and it ain't a joke, son. "Senator Tenney, do you think that your former occupation of entertaining the highly colorful characters of Mexicali qualifies you to pass upon the patriotism and loyalty of thousands of respectable men and women employed in the motion picture industry?" Or: "Do you think that this background really justifies further appropriations of the people's money to keep you in the public eye ; or that it makes you more capable than J. Edgar Hoover and his FBI staff in investigating any real menace to this country?" Or: "Do you think that writing 'Mexicali Rose' — a very good song, by the way — is sufficient training for you to help write the laws of the State of California?" I will leave it to someone else to ask similar questions of Mr. Hearst. I don't want to give away too much weight. In the interest of public economy I will save these gentlemen the trouble of investigating my political orthodoxy. I am not a Communist, I do not believe in Communism and I'm not defending it. I've been a registered Republican for nearly thirty years. I served voluntarily in both World Wars. I served without distinction, it's true, but with some small personal risk, and great inconvenience. Can any of these witch-hunters make that statement? The most dismaying thing about the attacks on the Screen Writers' Guild and the efforts to establish the AAA is that two of the most skilled and influential members of our craft, who should be staunchly with us, are on the other side. I refer to Louis Bromfield and Rupert Hughes. They have not only achieved great literary fame but have become wealthy doing it. Why should they scoff at their less gifted fellows who also would like to own a model farm in the Middle West or a mansion on Los Feliz Boulevard ? The only personal intimacy I have ever had with Mr. Bromfield was some years ago, when he was writing in Hollywood, we used to patronize the same barber. While we never spoke, I occasionally was privileegd to enjoy the warmth of the chair just vacated by the distinguished Bromfield buttocks. But I've known and admired Uncle Rupert for many years, and I call him Uncle Rupert with all possible respect and affection. I personally know that he has given with prodigal generosity the benefits of his long experience and his wizardry with words to many a struggling beginner. I, myself, have been a beneficiary of his kindness and a guest in his home. I'm certain that no one needing help of any kind has ever been turned from his door. Then why, when he has done so much for so many individuals, does he turn against the members of his craft when they seek as a body to improve their status in the profession that has rewarded him so richly? I am seriously and respectfully asking why, Uncle Rupert. Why doesn't he turn his keen mind and flashing wit against the Tenneys — against all the political monte 20