Mr. Nolan, you told us we could count on your loyalty.
You didn't say you were coming to defend the Communist Party.
We know they're out there, but--
but I'll be damned if I know how to find them.
It'd be a lot easier on everybody
if you all wore some identification like a pin or a bumper sticker.
Then we wouldn't have to sit here and go through this.
Make it a lot easier on everybody, wouldn't it?
I beg of you...
please don't make me do this.
Don't make me crawl through the mud.
You know who they are.
They're my friends.
They are Communists.
Why do you feel they should be protected?
We must protect this country from the ideas they're spreading
through their films and television shows.
When I joined the Party, they were trying to help people.
I thought they were trying to help people. It was the Depression.
People needed help.
It was a good thing then.
Son, you came here, and you confessed your membership.
All we're asking you to do in good faith,
and also to purge yourself of your mistakes in the past,
is to help us in identifying the people in those photographs.
I don't want to be an informer.
Real Americans have appeared before this Committee demonstrating loyalty.
How do you think we got your name in the first place?
I thought you were not a Communist anymore.
I'm not! I told you!
I think you're still a member.
And I know some people that would be interested to know that.
Would you speak up, please, son?
There's nothing to be ashamed of here.
David! Over here!
Welcome back.
What are you doing here?
Is this the hello I get after two months?
-Feels like I just left. How are you? -All right.
I missed you, though. Come on.
You leave anything in France?
Let me get this.
David, you don't have to buy everything you see.
Everything I can get my hands on.
Yeah. When I heard they sent a limo for you,
I decided all this success has gone to your head.
It's time we brought you back down to earth.
Thanks. So that's what friends are for.
So what's the news? Did Lisa finally say yes?
-Yes. -You're getting married?
-No. -You're not?
She wouldn't swear to a loyalty oath,
so it wasn't in my best interest to marry her.
-What wouldn't she swear? -She swore all the time.
She had a mouth like a sailor, drank like a fish.
-She wouldn't change? -Those things I liked.
Bunny, everything okay in town?
This place is going crazy, David.
I say we go back to France. Now.
Not before I see Zanuck.
What do we have to see Mr. Zanuck for?
He wanted me back. I guess we'll argue over casting and budgets.
He'll give in.
You can do no wrong around that guy. I swear to God he loves you.
Who loves me? God or Zanuck?
It is hard to tell them apart sometimes.
Did you see Ruth?
Bunny.
No, David, I haven't had any time.
I'm doing some rewrites for my dear friend Marilyn Monroe,
and I feel kind of funny since you guys got divorced.
Besides, I haven't had time to see anybody, honestly.
How about you? Think you might see her?
Who? Marilyn or Ruth?
That's what I thought.
They're here. Shh!
They're here.
Everybody be quiet and say "Surprise." Be ready!
Surprise!
What happened?
Sorry. I thought it was David.
-Couldn't you wait for me. -You didn't say you'd be all day.
I waited. I just wasn't going to miss this.
No, of course not.
You wouldn't miss seeing the great David Merrill.
What is the matter with you? He is our friend.
-Outside. Come on! -All right.
What?
What's going on?
Look who's here!
I surprised my own surprise party.
Now I have to act like I like everyone.
-Welcome back. -How are you?
When you get settled down,
there's this idea I want to talk to you about.
Right now you want to talk? Can't it wait till tomorrow?
I want to go home.
You're not doing this for me. You're doing it for yourself.
Friends, Romans, Comrades!
That got everyone's attention.
We welcome back our friend David!
Will you come on! Come on!
Our friend.
Larry?
A brave man.
Our friend, a brave man....
-Our friend--
...who won't forget those of us who need work on his pictures.
To my dear friend....
What's your name again? Bunny Baxter, who'll never work for me again.
Just kidding.
Thanks, everyone. It's a terrific welcome.
I'm not surprised, but it's terrific.
♪ Branded Un-American ♪
♪ Oh, there's a game of naming names ♪
♪ And let me tell you, gents and dames ♪
Two months and I get a hero's welcome.
Anyone brave enough to come back to this town is a hero.
A great director, maybe, but a hero? Never.
You part of this conspiracy?
I deny having anything to do with any conspiracy.
I hope your trip went badly.
It went great. When can I see your movie?
You have to buy a ticket like everyone else. That's if I figure out the ending.
You always have problems with endings.
Let me know when you want me to see it.
I don't want your suggestions. How about Tuesday?
It's good to see you. I've missed you.
It's not easy times.
Let's have a drink.
♪ So what they come... ♪
Laugh!
Have a good time. Drink.
Let's make it painless, right?
Who are we trying to kid?
Everybody knows what's happening.
I'm afraid to talk to my friends.
My husband's crazy. We're all dead!
Dorothy, you all right?
Drink up! Don't let me spoil all your fun. -Are you all right?
Yeah. I have to go.
Bunny, follow me to Dorothy's house.
Dorothy! Dorothy!
-What's happening? -Bert, I'll be back.
-Where are you going? -I don't want you driving.
You've got a 9:00 with Zanuck tomorrow.
I got to see my kid. Can we make it 10:00?
Well, I don't think so. I can try.
All right, shit. Leave it. I'll make it.
-Meet me at the Brown Derby after. -All right, the Derby.
Larry, what the hell are you doing?
Reorganizing my library.
Ever realize how book bindings are so well made?
These are all good books.
The Catcher in the Rye, Tom Sawyer. What the fuck's the matter?
Wait till Wood puts your nuts in a vise.
-Who? -Your taste in literature changes.
Everything changes, David, real fast.
Of course, you don't have to worry.
You're Zanuck's golden boy, aren't you?
You're a brilliant man, David.
A brilliant man.
Good idea. James Joyce. Can't write like him, burn him.
Ask him who he named today!
-Ask him! -Don't listen to her. She's cracked!
No, Matt. Go.
How many of your friends did you sell out?
Did you name me?
Did you name your son?
-You could have hurt her! -What am I going to do with her?
The great actress!
If you come here again, I swear to God I'll kill you!
What did you do?
I did what any scared shitless, loyal American would have done.
Welcome home, David.
-Welcome home.
Dad!
You're back, Dad! You're back!
You went across the street without checking the cars.
What did I tell you about that?
You're getting so big.
Jesus, you're bigger than I am.
You're way bigger than I am.
Are you going to take me to school?
Tomorrow or the next day I will, okay?
Close your eyes and hold out your hands.
A camera!
It's neat, Dad. It's so neat.
-Paulie! -It's a very, very good--
Can't you take me to school, Dad? Please?
Not today, pal. I got a lot of important things I have to do.
But tomorrow or the next day I'm gonna take you to school.
Let's go.
Let's get you on the bus, young man.
No talking to strangers.
Dad's not a stranger.
-Hmm. -Hmm.
Remember, sit in the front of the class, look the teacher straight in the eye,
-and she'll never call on you. -She calls on me. I tried it.
It only works in movies.
Give me the camera, I'll give it to your mother.
Give me a kiss. Be a good boy.
Bye.
Boy, I missed him.
I missed you, too.
Well, believe me, I missed you.
The water heater blew, so I had to get a new one.
It cost more than I thought.
I took the money out of your account. Hope you don't mind.
I'll survive.
-How's he doing in school? -Not too bad.
You look good.
Good morning, Mrs. Merrill.
-Here's your mail. -Thank you.
Now, how long are you here for?
I'm supposed to see Zanuck now.
As soon as I get the budget and cast, I start production in Europe.
Paulie's gonna be in a play Thursday night.
-He'd like it if you'd come. -Okay, I'll try.
The David Merrill Express rides again.
Come on. It's a wonderful script. I might even make a good film.
You might even want to see it.
The studio's waiting, right?
Can't have that, now.
Welcome back, Mr. Merrill. Go right in.
And cut. Great, Marilyn, but let's try it again.
We have speed. Mark it.
Thirteen, Chicago. Take 15.
Okay. Play back and...action!
♪ Bye Bye Baby ♪
-Did you write this? -I don't write boobs.
-I polished the dialogue. -They look polished to me.
-You haven't heard any words. -Who needs words?
David!
Have a seat up here. Bunny, you can leave.
Call me, I want to know what he says.
Fifteen, Chicago. Take 17.
You'll have new pages for me, right?
-This afternoon, Mr. Zanuck. -Great.
The locations are fine. The time schedule is okay.
Looks like you had a little vacation at my expense, but I don't mind.
Well, it could have been worse.
I want you to make this picture for me, David.
But we got a problem.
I've got a board of directors in New York.
As far as I'm concerned, they can all go to hell.
I run this place, and nobody tells me how to make movies.
But I have to listen when they say my movies won't get played
because some guy running for Congress has a hard-on for Hollywood.
Business is lousy. The theaters are empty.
Everybody's staying home
to watch Milton Berle dressed as a woman.
And now this.
What do you mean, "now this"?
If you want to make this picture,
you have to get yourself straightened out.
You call him and do just as he says.
Graff knows what he's doing with those bastards.
Then we'll talk about the picture. What take was that?
-Seventeen. -Christ!
I'm sorry, Darryl, I don't get this.
Just go see this guy, do me a favor.
Then we'll have lunch and talk about casting and everything else.
How are things in real life?
In real life? A little startling and a little ambiguous.
Maybe that's better than happy or sad.
Christ! Eighteen takes? Get me Howard.
Howard Hawks, please.
Darryl...
did you get me back to Los Angeles just to talk to this guy Graff?
Howard, I can't tell the difference between any of these.
Why don't you show me, all right?
We'll run them, and you show me the difference.
Yeah, I'm sure it's obvious.
-Mr. Woods? -Yeah.
Telephone. Jack Warner calling.
The man's undaunted. Stop with the hair in my drink already,
or I'll move my office to Chasen's.
-Stay with the Brown Derby. -It's a barber shop, not a restaurant.
Jack. I know you loved the script. Well, do your own reading next time.
Everybody wants it. Now it's hot. I know. How you doing?
A great piece of ass just walked by.
Everybody wants to do it now.
David Merrill just walked in. I'll call you back.
David, I got something for you. I was talking to Jack about you.
-Jack who? -Jack the Ripper. Who?
Listen, you got to read this. Take your time. Just two seconds.
Everybody wants to do it. I tell you, we walk down the aisle.
-Are we getting married? -No, down the aisle to pick up an Oscar.
What is it with you? An Oscar. Read it. I'll send it over tonight.
It doesn't matter.
He can work. You can't get paid if he doesn't work, right?
Look, I'll call you later.
-Who is that guy? -You don't know Gene Woods?
-Gene Woods? -The producer.
He pays the waiter to bring phony calls to him
from Warner, Zanuck, and Mayer.
I wondered who the schmuck was with all the calls.
How did it go with Zanuck?
Well, it was strange. He wanted me to meet this lawyer Graff.
Do I have some kind of problem, Bert?
Geez, I don't know.
I'm sure he would have told you if you did,
with your picture starting, right?
-You going to see him? -Sure, I'll see him.
Now listen.
Bogie wants to meet with you.
He likes your script. He loved your last picture. I'll set it up.
Bogart. Sure.
He's a big fan of yours, David.
Zanuck likes you, David.
Don't fuck that up.
David Merrill. Come in.
I'm really glad you came. Can I get you a drink?
No thanks.
Zanuck said see you. You said see me here.
But why here? Why this crummy place? Why not your office?
To protect you from rumor.
I have several long conferences with my clients
when we prepare to meet for the House Un-American Activities Committee.
-And Zanuck wanted me to-- -Wait. Hold it. With who?
Zanuck wants your name cleared as soon as possible.
He wants my name cleared of what?
There's somebody here we should meet. He can explain it all.
Fine, let's talk to him.
Ray.
Ray, come on in.
David Merrill. Ray Karlin.
Mr. Merrill, welcome back. I'm glad to meet you.
I'm sorry it's under these circumstances.
I'll get right to the point.
Uh,
it's probably no surprise to you
that you've been named as being a Communist sympathizer.
Recently your name came up as having attended Party meetings.
Wait a minute. I'm no Communist.
I went to a couple meetings 10 or 12 years ago. That's it.
Yes, we know that.
That's exactly our problem, David.
Look, nobody wants to embarrass you.
Graff has asked the Committee to give you this opportunity
to explain your past affiliations.
There's nothing to explain. I went to a couple of meetings.
That's it. That's it.
Your affiliations and those of others.
What others?
In secret testimony.
Secret testimony. Listen to what he's saying.
Now, he's assured us that you'll be a friendly witness
and purge yourself.
Purge myself?
For what? Going to a couple of meetings?
We want to know if you know these people.
Sterling Hayden.
-Sterling Hayden. -I know Sterling very well.
Howard da Silva.
Howard da Silva?
-I don't know him. -No?
Lionel Stander.
I know him.
Elizabeth Cummings.
I've met her a couple of times.
And Robert Baxter.
Bunny Baxter?
I've known Bunny since we were kids. You can't be serious. I mean--
We want you to testify as to their membership in the Communist Party.
I don't know about the others, but Bunny Baxter is not a Communist.
That's for the Committee to determine.
I'm telling you Bunny Baxter is not a Communist.
I've known him all my life.
There's no way I'll say he's a Communist.
You really want to be associated with these people,
you a decorated Naval officer dropped behind enemy lines?
-I'm very disappointed. -I don't care.
I don't give a shit if you're disappointed or not.
I inform on these people, and they lose their jobs.
They lose everything.
We're not in the employment business. If they lose their jobs--
Did you tell him I'd do this, I'd be a fucking stool pigeon?
Be reasonable, David.
Mr. Zanuck is very anxious to get you back to work.
I thought you said the Committee's not in the employment business.
How the industry treats you is not our concern.
-That I can see. -This is a very generous offer.
Look, I got a movie to make.
Sorry if we've wasted your time.
-There's been a misunderstanding. -Damn right.
You'll be subpoenaed to testify at the Committee's next public session.
Go talk to him, Graff.
David, listen, I'm on your side.
But make no mistake about these guys. They are unethical bastards.
Parnell Thomas, their recent chairman, is now in federal prison for fraud.
Why are they after me?
They want their picture in the paper, and Hollywood gets it there.
This is not about national security.
It's not about loyalty. It's about power and publicity.
Already they've sent ten men to jail! You want to be the next?
Everybody says you were a team player!
It was poison, and you drank it to save my life?
Dear Tink, are you dying?
Her light is going faint. If it goes out, that means she's dead.
Her voice is so low, I can scarcely tell what she's saying.
She says she could get well again if children believed in fairies.
Do you believe in fairies?
Quick, if you believe, clap your hands.
Thank you! Thank you!
And now to rescue Wendy.
We won't have to worry about another Merrill in show business.
Not in front of the camera.
I'm sorry, I thought I could get here sooner.
It's okay.
What's the matter?
What's the matter, David?
I got called in by the Committee.
Dad!
-Dad, did you see me? -You were terrific!
-Good night. -Good night.
-Say thank you to David, sweetie. -Thank you.
Hey, David.
We can't stay. I wish we could, but we have--
I have an early call, which means we have to get up really early, huh?
So I'll see you.
-Call me tomorrow. -Okay. Bye.
Dad, how do you like my costume?
-Isn't my costume funny-looking? -It's a terrific costume.
Honey, you run along ahead. We'll catch up to you.
-Hey, Billy! - What did they say?
I've been named as a Communist and I'll be subpoenaed to testify.
My God, David.
They want me to purge myself. They actually used that word.
For attending a couple of meetings I was asked to leave for arguing.
Dad, watch!
-What are you gonna do? -I don't know.
Bye. See you tomorrow.
You're so easy.
I'm sorry I was late for the play.
-That's okay. -But I'm so proud of you.
-I'm so proud of you. -Come on, honey.
-See you in a day or two, okay? -Okay.
-I'll go see Zanuck tomorrow. -You think he'll help?
Yeah. He thinks I walk on water.
♪ A kiss on the hand may be quite continental ♪
♪ But diamonds are a girl's best friend ♪
♪ A kiss may be grand, but it won't pay the rental ♪
♪ On your humble flat ♪
It has to be a mistake. I never joined anything in my life.
-Ever go to a fund raiser? -It's a mistake.
Listen, it's not a mistake.
I'll show you. I got a, uh...
I have a driver's license, Dave.
I have a library card. I did join the library.
You got to get a lawyer, I'm telling you.
I never joined anything. I never even voted.
Before they call you, do you hear me?
They're not gonna call me. They can't call me. I didn't do anything!
-It doesn't matter. -What do you mean?
You put a hand grenade in my mouth, then say it doesn't matter?
Cut! Excellent. Let's set it up again.
It doesn't matter. Get me the rewrites, okay?
I'm sorry, David, but if you're here to see Mr. Zanuck,
he's in a story conference right now.
Then his lunch date is waiting, then this afternoon
there's a screening of...
Viva Zapata with Kazan, so...
-Just tell him it's me. -I'm sorry. He said no calls.
It's important. Just buzz him. He won't mind.
I can't do that. I'm sorry.
-Hi, David. -Hi, Larry.
David?
Mr. Zanuck, your lunch date is here.
I thought you wanted to make this picture.
What do you mean? I am making it.
For a year and a half, that's all I've been working on.
Think about it, David.
I have.
Good afternoon. International Artists Agency.
No, I'm sorry. He's not available. May I take a message?
Certainly.
David?
Hi, Bert.
Don't come here again without calling first.
What do you mean?
Do you realize what a position you put the agency in?
Why didn't you do what Zanuck said?
-I did. -No you didn't. He pulled the picture!
He can't do that.
I made good pictures for him. I made a lot of money for Fox.
Look, he's stuck, just like everyone else, David.
New York's put the pressure on, and they get it from Washington.
What else can he do? He gave you your chance.
Since when did you become this saint?
You still have the advance we gave you?
No, I spent it.
You spent it all.
I should have known. You could never hold on to a buck.
We want the fifty grand.
-You want the $50,000? -Not me, the agency.
I'm just an agent. I do not run the firm.
It's not my decision.
Don't forget, we've got a lien on your house.
-You're gonna take my house? -I'm not. They are.
How do you expect to pay it back?
Bert, you're making a big mistake, you and this whole fucking agency.
-This whole thing will blow over. -I hope it does, kid.
Get out of here.
Good afternoon. International Artists Agency.
...today reported a new total
of 83,257 American battle casualties in the Korean War.
I had to let myself in. They called me looking for you.
Who? What happened?
There's some problem with Dorothy on her film.
Park here, Mr. Merrill.
She's right around the corner.
She won't come out. She says she'll talk to you and no one else.
Her husband's here on the lot.
We sent someone to get him. He won't come.
She's stinking drunk. I'm gonna lose the whole goddamn day.
I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do.
Dorothy?
It's David, Dorothy.
-Let me in. -Dorothy?
It's okay, honey.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
It's okay. It's okay.
He came to the house.
Larry. This morning, after I'd gone to work.
Maria didn't want to let him in.
He came with some FBI agent.
He showed her this paper...
from the court, and he said...
he said that I was a Communist.
And then...
he said....
I'm not, David.
I'm not.
He said I was an unfit mother.
They took Matthew away.
They took him away.
They took my baby away.
-You're with us. It's all right. -Dorothy, honey.
We love you.
I'm going to get my baby back.
You son of a bitch.
You steal your own child?
That's my business, not yours!
-She's your wife! -She's crazy!
You saw her. She's a drunk! You think that's any way to raise someone?
You think you're a better parent, Larry?
You rat on your friends! You lie to save your fucking ass!
Is that something to teach your kid?
-Get off the lot. -I'm going.
You're off on some set being the great David Merrill!
She was always at our house!
Where were you? You're so goddamn high and mighty! Where are you now?
["I'm Just a Lucky So and So"]
Hello?
Joe?
Hi, Lenny.
David! What the hell are you doing here?
Joe called me. Hi, Mike.
I've been to some dramatic meetings, but 3:00 a.m. is a new one on me.
Directors. Jesus, you're worse than first wives.
Good morning, gentlemen. Where's the coffee?
-Hi, David. -Joe!
Where you going?
Going to London in five hours. Nelly's meeting me at the airport.
London? I know I hired a genius, Joe, but you're crazy.
He's the genius. I steal from good pictures.
What's going on?
I've been dodging a subpoena for two days now.
I'll dodge it permanently in London.
It's all I can do.
So I'm abandoning my creation.
David's going to complete it for me,
if he promises not to mess it up.
You're walking out on a $3 million picture?
I gave him final cut. It cost me points.
You're not cutting the picture? You can't do this.
-Give me scene 96, please. -It's a violation of your contract.
Forget the contract! It's wrong.
It's not. If he gets a subpoena, the studio fires him,
so he can't edit it anyway.
Do you mind? Take the Fifth, for Christ's sakes.
You don't have to incriminate yourself!
My lawyer said if I do that, I can wind up in jail for contempt.
-You don't have anything to hide. -Mike, I'm a Communist.
I have been for 20 years.
-I don't want to hear that! -You've heard it.
I didn't hear anything. Did you?
I didn't hear anything.
I mean, uh, Joe...
No speeches. I know what you're gonna say.
Nelly made the same speech.
I love this place. But I can't stay.
It's not my country anymore.
You can't let them do this and get away with this.
What do you propose I do?
-I don't know. -Inform on my friends?
They want me to inform on my friends,
name names, involve innocent people,
ruin people's lives. It's nothing noble. I just can't do it.
I'd have to stay away from mirrors for the rest of my life.
I like looking at myself too much.
Jesus. Jesus.
Jesus.
You, on the other hand, will work it out.
You'll work out something.
By that time...
my picture will be finished.
Here, watch. Look.
-Hi. -Hi.
I thought I'd take Paulie to school.
You missed him. He left already.
Damn.
-Do you want some coffee? -Yeah.
You look like shit.
You look great.
Dorothy's still asleep. I couldn't let her stay alone.
Well, what do you think?
Is everybody full of shit, or do they know me better than I do?
Am I like that, Ruth?
Tell me the truth. You always do.
People think making movies means more to you than anything else.
Do you really believe that?
It's true, isn't it?
I better get going.
David.
I'm going back to teaching.
I'll start as a sub again, but it's a start.
I'm gonna get a small apartment.
It'll save on rent.
What about Paulie? How's he gonna take all this?
New school, new friends?
He'll be okay.
I'll get a picture. Don't worry.
I'm sorry.
What did the lawyer say?
Bunny.
What should I see a lawyer for?
I start having meetings, meetings start rumors.
Next thing you know, they will call me.
They're going to call you. The guy asked me about you.
The same thing that happened to me is gonna happen to you.
-No, it won't. -The hell it won't, I'm telling you.
I hope you're making a lot on rewrites. You're gonna have to get a good lawyer.
-What the hell is this shit? -It's retsina.
Greek wine? Why don't you drink mescal and go all the way?
-I'm scared shitless. -Maybe it's the retsina.
I mean it, David, I am.
I am too. Everybody is.
If you're so scared, why did you come back? I don't get it.
You come back, then you get named.
You think I wanted to get named?
Then I get named.
Then Joe gets named.
What are you saying?
-Nothing. -You think I would name you?
-Bunny! -No!
You think I would name you? You're my oldest and dearest friend.
Forget I said it, okay?
-How can I forget what you said? -What am I supposed to think?
I know how much your films mean to you!
Can we just-- What, are you going to just leave?
David, come back! Let's talk about it!
For crying out loud!
Look, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
["I'm Just a Lucky So and So"]
David Merrill, editing room 3.
-Merrill, that's you? -That's me.
I can't let you on.
Leonard Marks is the producer.
I have a note from Mr. Marks. He says to tell you you'd understand.
I understand.
Back the car off the lot, sir.
I understand.
Lenny, I understand, I just wanted to talk to you about it.
If you're worried about my wanting credit, relax. I don't want it.
It's Joe's picture.
Tom, you guys always have 56 things in development.
I know how you are.
Yeah, but...
What movies are you making now?
What's in production?
Eric, I don't want to have to remind you, but you owe me.
You don't? You don't owe me?
You can't have directors attached to everything. That's bullshit.
What about the script you wrote a few months back?
Was it a year ago?
You sold it? Good for you.
Who did you sell it to?
Jule Eagle.
I've been holding for Mr. Eagle for a long time.
He's what? How could he be gone? You told me to hold all this time.
Fuck!
Bogart? Definitely I can deliver him.
He loved my last picture. He's a fan. A big, big fan.
Check with his agent, okay?
Just check with him.
Call him. Can you call him tonight?
All right. Don't forget. 716
It's not a moving van!
-Put it on the roof! I'll pay you. -Rent a truck!
You fucking guys are so independent now?
Hello, Paulie. I'm on my way.
I'm on my way. What am I doing? I'm telling the driver he's an asshole.
No, don't tell Mommy I said that.
I'll be right there. Just be patient.
Big shot.
Dad!
Convicted Communist spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg
sit on Death Row,
condemned to die in the electric chair for espionage against the U.S.
Their sons Michael, 9, and Robert, 5, visited today
perhaps for the last time.
Michael confronted his mother with a question:
"Are you guilty or innocent?"
What's Paulie going to do, be with a babysitter?
Don't worry about it. I'll work it out.
I am worried.
Don't, okay?
-So you've really missed teaching? -Yeah.
There is more to life than being the wife of a movie director.
A government spokesman said, "One thing is sure,
"What little suffering the boys may endure
"is a small price to pay for the damage
done by their Communist spy parents."
Paulie.
Paulie, what's the matter?
Nothing.
Come on. Let's finish this.
Where do I put this?
Just leave it there.
What are you going to do in New York?
I don't know.
Sell pretzels,
drive a cab, bail out a few Broadway producers.
I can't just sit around here. I got to do something.
I got to do something, you know?
What?
You're always leaving for some place.
What does that mean? What am I supposed to do? Nothing?
Am I supposed to do nothing?
What do I do with this stuff?
The stuff on the table?
What the hell did I do so wrong?
I gave you guys everything I could.
-I never cheated on you. I worked hard-- -At the studio!
On the set. In the editing room. They don't make movies at home.
When we had everything going for us--
For us? You had everything. We didn't.
Where's the studio now?
Zanuck didn't help you, did he?
He did all he could. It's not that!
And you did all you could for us, too, didn't you?
Paulie?
Come on, what's the matter?
Come on. We always tell each other things.
We're pals, aren't we? We don't have secrets.
Aren't we pals?
All right, so tell me.
Are they going to kill you?
Nobody's going to kill me.
That's what they do to the Reds.
-Where did you hear that? -At school. On TV.
They're going to kill the Rosenbergs. Those spies.
They're gonna die in the electric chair.
I don't know what these people did,
but when your mother and I were younger, we tried to help people.
That's not bad.
I didn't do anything wrong.
-You didn't? -No, I didn't.
And if I ever did, I'd tell you because we're pals
and I tell you everything. We don't have secrets. Right?
Right.
Atta boy.
I'm not a spy. Nobody's gonna kill me.
-They might try to torture me a little-- -Terrific, David. Well done.
Nobody's going to torture Daddy.
-I'm only kidding. -He was just talking. You know that.
He knows that, right?
You, uh, you give Daddy a kiss. He's got to go.
Come on. He'll be late.
-When are you coming back? -Just as soon as I can.
That's what you said last time, and that was two whole months.
I promise you, I'm gonna come back as soon as I can.
-I'll miss you. -I'm going to miss you. Oh, yeah.
I paid off the agency, and here's a couple dollars left over.
-I don't want the money. -Make me feel better, please. Take it.
Thanks.
-Take care of yourself. -I've always done that, haven't I?
Whoo!
Come on, would you?
We got three weeks, not a year. Not three months. Three weeks. Weeks.
All right, we'll get it.
Son of a bitch. What the hell are you doing in town, David?
Honey! Look who fell out of the sky!
It's Merrill!
-Your discoverer. -David?
Before I took her from you.
What are you doing in New York?
-I came to see what's happening. -Nothing, that's what.
Stay out of town before you take all the jobs from us hack directors.
-You doing a movie here? -No.
We gotta go. Felicia,
get this bum to come for a meal while he's in town.
You look older.
I feel older. I am older.
Honey, talk to David later!
Call us.
We just moved. 487 East 63rd Street.
Will they allow guys like me there?
Guys like you?
Smooth.
-She's okay. She's okay. -Great. Thank you.
Who have you worked for?
Warners, Metro, Fox. In fact, I have a feature in release now.
No, sponsors. What accounts have you worked on?
You know, uh...
Lucky Strike, Chesterfield, Camel?
I've done nothing but features for the last six or seven years.
Our clients have reputations to uphold.
They're careful about whom they associate with.
-So am I. -All right.
I tell you what, let me check around.
-If everything's okay, I'll do what I can. -Okay.
-Should I wait to hear or I call you? -You call me.
Take this.
-I'll hear from you. -I'll call.
David.
God!
-You're soaked. -It's raining out.
I thought it would let up, but no such luck. Let me take that.
-Sit down. I'll get you a towel. -I'm okay.
Nice place.
I'll do it.
I always liked drying your hair.
You turning shy on me?
-Want a drink? -Sure.
-Still drink gin? -Gin's fine.
I picked up your habit.
I think I'll join you.
So where's Abe?
He went up to the country to work on last-minute rewrites.
He's gone for the weekend.
What have you been doing? We thought we'd hear from you sooner.
I've been running around, seeing the sights.
I saw the Statue of Liberty, the new U.N. building.
Did you see it? It looks great.
You hate New York. And sightseeing? Come on.
If you're not doing a film here....
I'm not doing anything anywhere, to tell you the truth.
You never went three weeks without working.
You giving up your one and only love? I don't believe it.
It's not by choice, I can tell you.
Why?
Because these guys follow me everywhere.
I feel like Joseph Cotton in The Third Man.
You'd think they'd have better things to do.
They're following you?
Do you--
Do you think they followed you here?
They might have.
They might be right outside your window.
Or in the neighbor's toilet listening to us.
You're smoking two cigarettes, Felicia.
I think you'd better go, honey.
And stay away from the theater.
I don't want Abe to have any problems.
They really got you, don't they?
Wait a minute. You must need money. You always did.
Here.
I better not write you a check. Take this.
I don't want it.
Why don't you just give them what they want?
-I really am surprised at you. -Don't be.
Maybe they asked in the wrong way,
or maybe I'm just stubborn and I don't like to be pushed around, or...
maybe I'll just give them what they want because I'm sure tired of this shit.
Mr. Saltman, please.
I don't rent my equipment to amateurs.
Well, gentlemen, what can I do for the FBI?
Just a routine inquiry, Mr. Saltman. Does a David Merrill work here?
He's in the back working on equipment.
He fixes stuff. He's a good fixer.
How long has he worked here?
A few weeks.
He doesn't talk much. He works hard. Something wrong?
-Did he commit a crime? -Just a routine inquiry.
If and when he leaves this job, please let us know.
Why don't you just ask me if you want to know? Ask me.
-I'm right here. Ask me. -Thank you, Mr. Saltman.
You want to know something, ask me, not him.
You have nothing to be upset about.
Upset? Why should I be upset?
You've only ruined my life. Why should I be upset?
I'm right here. You have something to ask, ask me.
I'm warning you, I'm a federal officer.
Sam, let's go.
Sam? You're warning me? Go ahead, Sam.
Warn me. How old are you, Sam?
Sam, how old are you? 24? 25? Warn me.
Tell them I'm not going anywhere! Understand? Right here!
I'm not going anywhere! Right here.
-They just wanted to know if-- -Now they know I'm here.
They're after me, not you.
The FBI.
They make me nervous, David.
Where you going?
Thank you, Ben. I appreciate all you've done.
David!
Operator? I want to make a long distance call to Los Angeles.
Collect. Crestview 0245.
For anyone. Just say David's calling.
Hi.
It's me.
How's the new place?
David, I'm sorry I was late. I had a meeting after school.
-That's okay. -I am really sorry to be so late.
Don't worry about it. It's good to see you.
It was a rough trip, huh?
-Long. -Yeah?
-You want to drive? -No.
-Where's Paulie? -We'll pick him up.
You always want to drive.
You can drive.
Are you sure you're gonna be comfortable on the couch?
I'll be fine. Anything flat.
David,
I know we said some things before you left.
That's--That's all right. Don't apologize. You were right.
There's enough fresh air and sun
in this great country of ours for everybody.
And I'll see to it that you get your share.
Paulie, honey, let Daddy sleep.
Five minutes, pal.
I got you now! I got you!
Dad, stop.
What are you doing?
Eat your breakfast. We have to go.
Damn. I cannot get this.
Where you going?
I've got an 8:00 class. I can't get this necklace.
I'll get it.
-Paulie. -Yeah?
-Honey, are you finished? -I'm hurrying.
I'll be late again.
David, don't, please.
Remember when I bought you this?
-It's a different one. -Than on our honeymoon?
I'm seeing Dorothy tonight.
Paulie's gonna stay at a friend's.
I'm taking her to a place in Malibu.
Malibu, can you afford that?
Can you believe you said that?
I'd never say that.
Want to go?
-Sure. You buying? -Yeah.
-Paulie, finished? We have to go. -Almost.
Keys.
Don't mess up the bed.
It doesn't sag like it used to.
Wonder why.
See you later.
["Easy Come, Easy Go"]
Dorothy, over here.
I drove here so fast, I thought I'd get a speeding ticket.
This cop followed me for miles, but he never stopped me.
He was wondering who the beautiful blonde was.
I love you as a blonde!
I've wanted to be a blonde.
I've thought about bleaching my hair for years.
That whole Joan Crawford look is so passé.
They want the Marilyn look. Can you believe how hot she is?
She must be sleeping with everybody in town to be so hot so fast.
Bunny just finished a picture with her.
I doubt they slept together.
Can I get you a drink?
No. I've given this stuff up.
I've decided once and for all to stop drinking.
It's really been the source of all my troubles in the past.
It was just killing me.
I mean, you know, it was just killing me.
And, um, David, I've decided that I'm gonna start working again.
I'm--I'm determined. I'm going to...
get in control of things again.
Once I start working, I know everything's gonna be okay.
You look great.
You know, I'm really...
very angry with you, David.
You know that I have wanted to do a Broadway play.
I heard that you were in New York,
and you didn't even ask me to read your play.
If I can't depend on you, who can I depend on?
But I don't have a play, I wish I did--
I know that you just don't want anybody to know about it.
But listen to me, David.
Give me a part in your play. I'll get good reviews. And then...
then how is Larry gonna keep Matthew away from me?
I'll be the toast of Broadway in David's new play!
Listen. I don't have a play, if I did--
Listen, Larry really is not that bad.
He really isn't.
We had a good life together.
A wonderful life.
Then all this stuff started.
It's not going to last.
I know that.
I know we'll get back together again.
Wouldn't that be great, Ruthie?
Everything just the way it was?
Me and Matty and Larry and....
That son of a bitch! I haven't seen my baby in a month!
I don't know how he--
-Let's get you home. -I know, David!
You're always right. I should be at home.
What if Larry tries to call me and wants to bring Matthew home?
I've got to get home.
I've got to pick up a Christmas tree
because it's almost Christmas and Matthew loves Christmas.
I bet Larry and Matt are waiting for me.
I have to hurry. I bet they're both waiting for me.
I have to see my baby.
Dorothy!
-Are you all right? -I'm fine.
-I just want to go home. I'm sure. -Sure?
You okay?
Please.
I'm okay.
Please.
All right.
I'm okay.
Dorothy!
May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Hello?
Bert?
Okay, will you handle the deal?
Thanks, thanks.
Ruth.
I think I got a job. I have to go to Gower Studios. Bert just called.
-What picture? -A producer named Gene Woods.
You don't know. He's a half-assed producer.
But it might be something good. I'll fond out. I'll call you later.
I knew we'd work together. You didn't believe me.
-I believe you. -Monogram gave me seven days for this.
They brought me in here because they wanted somebody with style.
That's why you're here. You got style, too.
What happened to the other director?
The other director took a flop. Don't worry.
I have to look at the script, talk to the actors, I need to prepare.
No time. Don't worry, the actors are mints. Here's the script.
This scene is next. Take a nice lunch, a half hour, and read the rest.
I'll be in my office taking care of business. Don't worry.
We're gonna walk down the aisle together.
You're gonna be great, I swear. I'll see you at the Oscars.
I'm in my office if you need me.
-Who's the 1st A.D.? -I am. Jack.
-David Merrill. -How you doing?
Jerry Cooper.
You're the sheriff? Good to meet you.
-What's the next setup? -The villains ride in,
tie the horses in front of the saloon.
-They start a fight? -Eventually.
-Give me your first line. -"Frank Miller, it's good to see you."
-You got a dolly with an arm? -We can fix something.
We'll start tight on....
-Jerry. -Jerry.
We'll start on Jerry, then pull back to bring in the bad guys.
Jerry comes out, sees them, goes back in.
The bad guys go in, then the shit hits the fan.
Then the bad guys come flying out.
Here, face down. Then Jerry walks out and says--
Frank Miller, it's good to see you.
One shot. That's it. Okay?
-It's not in the script. -It is now.
What's up?
-Fractions. -Let me see.
-Okay, 1 over 2-- -Paulie.
-Daddy's working. -I sure am.
Boy, I hated fractions. I got a D.
You never told me that.
I sure did.
Only one or two of those.
"1 over 2
is less than or greater than 1 over 1?"
What do you think?
Hyah!
Cut. That's a take. Let's move on.
Where's the A.D.?
David, I've got to talk to you.
I got 40 days to shoot and six days to do it.
It doesn't matter anymore. I'm sorry.
Norman over here is gonna have to take over for you.
-What? -Monogram balked on me.
The projectionists won't run a movie made by a Commie.
It makes them a Commie. It makes no sense. Norman--
Come on.
-I'm sorry. -Why did you tell them?
I don't need the credit, Gene.
Number 1, I didn't tell anybody you were on the picture.
And I wasn't giving you the credit.
Shit, Gene, I can do this in a couple of days. They'll never know.
I'm sick about it. But they'll know. It's not Cleveland.
-All right, gather around. -Whoa! Wait a minute.
I'm not gonna work with a new director every hour.
Who the hell gave you a vote? Don't tell me who to hire.
You get rid of him and I walk.
Junk this piece of shit. Explain that to your moneymen.
You want to tell him how cold it is out there?
You want to share his coffin? Tell him.
You end up working for assholes.
That's nice. This asshole just fired you.
Hey, shit kicker, come back here.
-I'm talking to you, Commie! -Hey, hey! Hey!
No one calls me a Commie.
I want to tell you something, you son of a bitch!
I went down there without being called
and gave them the names of Communists I knew.
You want to call me a Commie? Back it up!
If he calls you a Commie, he doesn't have to back it up.
Norman, get the shot list.
Sorry about this. I need the job.
Take care of this guy. He thinks life's a cowboy movie.
Don't worry about anything. I'll be in my office if you need anything.
We're gonna go down the aisle together. We're going to the Oscars.
Pretty funny.
Seen enough?
-He's got funny hair. -Yeah.
Come on, Paulie, let's go.
Isn't it neat?
It's kind of like Stevie's, except it's too big for me.
Stay here, Paulie. Stay right here.
What's the matter with you? It's Christmas Eve!
-Excuse me? You got a problem? -Goddamn right I have a problem!
You stay away! You stay away from me!
-Stop it! What's wrong? -I don't know.
I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else.
Merry Christmas, pal.
I thought you were somebody else.
I'm looking for Felix Graff.
David, come in.
Some mob out there.
Can I get you a drink? We got everything.
No, thanks.
You've lost some weight.
I wish I could lose some.
It's probably all this damn Christmas cheer.
Have an hors d'oeuvre.
So...how you doing?
It's good news you're here.
I presume you've had a chance to think things over
and put things into perspective.
I know this is difficult, David.
Nobody says it's easy.
But you've made the right decision.
I haven't made any decision yet.
No?
Isn't there anything I can do?
What about the American Civil Liberties Union?
Someone. I mean, what if I take the Fifth?
They can't do anything to me if I take the Fifth Amendment, right?
It's not really much of an alternative.
It sends a message that you're hiding something.
The only thing to hide, as far as they're concerned,
is membership in the Communist Party.
Sire, you protect yourself against self-incrimination,
but you end up guilty by suspicion. Where does that get you?
You asked how I'm doing. You want to know?
I can't get a job.
Can't get a job.
All my friends gone.
I'm followed by the FBI everywhere. I lost my house.
I can't even buy my son a bike for Christmas.
Is it worth all this pain, David?
Is it worth it to your little boy, for example?
What about Dorothy's little boy?
That 6-year-old little boy lost his mother.
That's what I'm saying.
Is it worth all this?
What are they really asking you to do?
Just say, "I'm sorry. I was young and foolish. I made a mistake.
I was immature."
I mean, that isn't much.
I'm being asked to do more than that.
A lot of people in this country as smart as you
think the Committee's doing a good thing.
A lot of people.
So how long do I have before I get the subpoena?
Two weeks, maybe three.
David, you're not Cooper or Gable.
You're David Merrill. I'm Felix Graff.
We've got wives and kids and doctors' bills.
This isn't some big-screen drama.
Think of yourself.
Don't confuse it with one of your movies.
You ever seen Cooper on screen having to open a doctor's bill?
Bunny.
What are you doing here?
You look like shit.
Come inside.
You were right, David.
I should have called a lawyer.
But I didn't.
So I went down just to clear my name.
To say I was never a Party member.
They said, "Fine." I said, "Can I go now?"
They said, "After you sign a sworn statement."
I said, "Fine."
But in New York,
so long ago,
this girl Magda...
took me to a meeting.
Some people thought we could help the folks in Russia
by sending canned goods and clothing.
Russia was our ally. The Germans were attacking Stalingrad.
We were both fighting the damn Nazis.
This meeting was just...
people caring about people.
Magda is....
This was a beautiful girl.
They tell me this was a subversive organization.
They got me for perjury.
The only thing I can do really is cooperate a little bit.
A little bit?
Ten years from now, who's gonna care?
David, I need your help.
I'd like permission....
I need permission to use your name.
You want my permission to inform on me?
I have to give them some names!
It's not enough to eat shit, you have to give them names!
They already have his name.
They don't have it from me, Ruth!
That's the whole point of this fucking hearing, isn't it?
Screw your best friends?
This is your fault, David!
You told them we were friends.
You came back, and then I was called, David. You got to help me.
Why don't you just give them my name? It doesn't matter.
I couldn't do that to you.
Let me use your name.
Get out of my house, Bunny.
You get out of my house, please!
What's the difference? Please! You're dead already.
Get out. Get out.
Don't cry.
Why are you crying?
So you won't.
I love you.
I told you to think about it, Jack.
Maybe you can think of something convincing.
So far, I'm not convinced.
Goodbye, Jack.
How are you?
Fine, Darryl.
I don't like what's happening one bit.
These politicians think they're doing me a big favor
telling me who they'll call and how to get you off.
Then the same goddamn guy doing me the big favor
comes asking me for money.
Congressmen want to be senators,
governors, even President one day.
I wouldn't let these guys run a tractor, much less the country.
Is that what you wanted to tell me?
Here's a script.
It's a good one. Virginia read it and cried. I want you to read it.
I've got Fonda in mind for the lead. Every director in town is dying to do it.
-You want me to read it? -Yeah.
You can direct it better than anyone.
We start shooting in six weeks.
Just go down to that lousy Committee
and get this over with.
Graff is at the Mayflower in Washington. His number's right here.
Make a good film, David.
-He wants me to direct it. -Zanuck?
He said Virginia read it. She liked it.
She's right. It's about something.
Zanuck came up with a good one.
I just have to get it over with.
Then he'll come through for you?
You don't know how good it felt today being back there.
That damn guard. Listening to Zanuck on the phone.
All my life, that's all I've ever wanted to do.
I even miss the reviews.
I mean, I... never thought I'd miss the reviews.
I'm a filmmaker. That's all I am. I don't know what else to do.
Do they think I'll blow the bridges as the Red Army invades Manhattan?
Jesus.
I can't even get a goddamn job in a film equipment store. Nothing.
I worked so goddamn hard to make it, I ignored you and Paulie.
I thought where I was nobody could touch me.
Is it so wrong to do what they want?
Is it so wrong to let myself do what I've always wanted to do?
Do I spend the rest of my life dreaming what I could have been?
I don't know what to do.
Okay, David, it's time. They're ready for us.
Mark my words. You'll come out of this bigger than ever.
Let's get it over with.
Despite his past, let no one say that Abe Barron is un-American.
There's your friend.
He's demonstrated real patriotism. Each name he's named
is a wound at the heart of Communism
and a victory for the United States of America.
And you can tell them that Velde says
we can all sleep better tonight because of this man.
It's way down front, on the left side.
Would the witness please state his name and address?
David Merrill. 2851 Winona Place, Hollywood, California.
Please stand.
Hold up your right hand.
You do solemnly swear
that the testimony you're about to give
will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
-I do. -Be seated.
Let the record show Mr. Merrill is represented by counsel.
Counsel, identify yourself.
Felix Graff. 1830 Jefferson Place, Los Angeles, California.
All right, proceed, Mr. Tavenner.
Your profession is that of a film director?
Yes, sir.
I'd like to begin by getting one matter cleared up at once.
Mr. Merrill, are you now a member of the Communist Party?
No.
-Were you ever a member? -No.
Did you attend Communist Party meetings in the fall of 1939?
Twelve years ago in an organization
as perfectly legal as the Republican or Democratic Party,
where they were getting together to talk about new ideas,
yes, I attended a few Communist Party meetings.
Now, would you tell the committee the circumstances
under which you attended these meetings?
That is, when, where?
Well, I only attended two or three, at the most
and it was over a period of two or three weeks.
Under what circumstances did you stop attending?
They threw me out.
I think I just argued too much.
And where did these meetings take place?
Los Angeles.
Could you be more specific? In someone's home?
I'll restate the question.
Were these meetings held in halls or homes?
Homes.
In whose homes...
were some of these meetings held?
Mr. Merrill,
in whose homes were some of the meetings held?
Mr. Chairman, may I confer with my client?
By all means.
They want names. That's why we're here.
Come on, you can't beat these bastards!
You keep this up, they'll tear your head off.
They've already done that.
Fuck them.
I beg to be excused, Mr. Chairman.
My client has dismissed me.
I'll ask you again.
In whose homes did these meetings take place?
I'll answer questions about myself.
I won't answer questions about anyone else.
I introduce as evidence photographs of the witness at a rally
of the Federation of Atomic Scientists at the Institute of Technology,
April 17, 1946.
I ask that they be marked "Merrill Exhibits no. 1-15."
You may do so. The witness will examine these also.
Did you attend this rally and is this you in the picture?
Yes.
It is our understanding that the topic of that rally
was the elimination of the atomic bomb as a strategic weapon.
The purpose was the elimination of the atomic bomb, period.
Were you representing the Hollywood Peace Forum?
Yes, I was.
I read from a statement by the chief of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover,
wherein he states:
"The Hollywood Peace Forum cries for peace
"but has only one purpose: To disrupt public opinion
"about the atomic bomb long enough to give the Soviet Union
a chance to complete its preparation for war, i.e. their bomb."
You were there
as a member of the Communist front group, weren't you?
I was there as an American citizen
who has the right to meet anybody, anyplace, anytime.
And who were some of these people you met with as an American citizen?
I told you, I will not--
Just answer the question.
I'm willing to answer all questions about my own actions,
regardless of the consequence, but not about anyone else.
This Committee examines the extent, character and objectives
of subversive conduct in this country.
If I had seen what I had thought was subversive conduct--
I think that this has gone on long enough.
...it would have been my duty to report it to the authorities.
We'll give you that opportunity.
Start now. Who were these people at the meetings?
-I won't let you hurt innocent people. -Mr. Merrill,
as sure as I'm sitting here, I'll charge you with contempt
unless you answer that question.
You have my answer.
Mr. Chairman, this witness has been unresponsive,
even hostile, to this Committee.
He's breached his Constitutional protections.
But, Mr. Chairman, this Committee always wants to be fair,
so, to be fair, I'd like to give Mr. Merrill
one more chance to address the issues that warranted his appearance here.
Do you deny there was a Communist front meeting
at your home last September 21?
I don't know what you're talking about.
Tell me if the following people were present:
Dorothy Nolan, Joe Lesser, Nelly Lesser, Claude Rowan, Bert Alan.
When I returned from France,
my friends threw a surprise party at my house.
If I tell you who was there, everyone would be a Communist!
I won't do that.
I remind this Committee and you
of the sworn testimony from Larry Nolan
that David Merrill--
Did Larry Nolan testify I found him burning books in his trash
because he was afraid to be caught with those books?
Some books should be burned! Our libraries are full of Communist filth!
Alice in Wonderland? Huckleberry Finn?
How many Communists do you know?
How many have you worked with?
What is your association with them?
What are their names? A simple question.
-Will the Congressman yield? -Yes.
Let me ask you, is Ruth Merrill a member of the Communist Party?
-My wife? -You mean your ex-wife?
Here she is at the "Ban the Bomb" bash that you all threw.
Clearly mocking our government.
Should a person like this be allowed to teach impressionable children?
Children have the right to meet and discuss government in school.
She must be barred from influencing young minds.
And I will see to it that legislation is adopted
requiring teachers to take a loyalty oath
to prevent someone like this from teaching again!
She doesn't want them killed by atomic bombs!
Because she's disloyal!
By teaching respect for the Constitution?
Is Ruth Merrill now or has she ever been a Communist? Yes or no?
No. Never. Absolutely, categorically, no.
What about Dorothy Nolan?
Was she ever a Communist Party member?
She's dead.
That's not what I asked you, Mr. Merrill.
All you have to do is answer these questions.
Was Dorothy Nolan a member of the Communist Party? Yes or no?
Don't you have an ounce of decency?
Unfortunately,
Dorothy Nolan was a known drunk, an unfit parent,
and had been named as a Communist.
She was a good wife and mother. You're responsible for her death!
She has been named as a Communist!
She was falsely accused. She was out of work.
She lost her son because of this Committee!
She killed herself. The Communists twisted her mind.
In the name of ridding the world of Communism,
you destroyed her life!
Don't you have any shame? She's dead!
I'm getting tired of sitting here
and acting as though we're playing some little game
when all the while this Committee and its activities
may very well determine the future of this great country!
If there's one Communist in America, I say it's one too many!
You seem to care very little about this country.
with concern for the damage you and your Communist friends
have inflicted on the minds of free Americans
with your films and TV.
Sir, your refusal to answer our questions
leaves little doubt that you are still a member of the Communist Party,
therefore a threat to this great nation!
Next witness!
I move that this witness be cited for contempt!
I might not be the--
You had your chance to speak!
I was raised to stand up for my beliefs, and I'll raise my son the same way!
As hard as it is, I'm going to try to live it!
If that isn't what a real American is, then we've failed! Shame on you!
You're dismissed! Remove him!
A real American would be proud to answer.
Shame on you!
Call the next witness!
There's Bunny, David.
Quiet!
You're not going to jail. Mr. Merrill.
This hearing will come to order.
Hold up your right hand.
You do solemnly swear the evidence you are going to give this subcommittee
will be the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
-Yes. -Be seated.
Your profession is as a screenwriter?
-Yes. -Were you subpoenaed?
-Yes, I am. -I'd like to begin this examination,
if you don't mind, by clearing this matter up.
Mr. Baxter, are you now, or have you ever been,
a member of the Communist Party?
Mr. Chairman...
regardless of consequence to myself, I must refuse to answer that question
for many reasons. Primarily, it violates my right
from the First Amendment to the Constitution.
We all have a right to the freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech and assembly!
-Answer the question! -I am trying to,
but under the circumstances, it appears I must use
my Constitutional right as an American citizen.