Myth: HUAC
uncovered very few Communists in Hollywood. Fact: So somewhere between 200 and
300 qualifies as “very few?” Don’t think so.
Myth: Even If
there were a few Hollywood Communists, they were not influential. Fact: Then
why were John Wayne, Morrie Ryskind, Walt Disney and Ayn Rand concerned that
“it looked as if Communists were in control of the industry?” Communists were
ensconced in key positions of motion picture unions and studios.
Myth:
Hollywood writers were not subversive because during World War II, they turned
out patriotic documentaries. Fact: Virtually every writer appearing before HUAC
hid behind the First or Fifth Amendment when asked about Communist affiliations
and activity.
Myth: Writers
did not favor force or violence in changing the United States into a Soviet
America. Fact: Some did by refusal to deny or declined to say whether they
would support the United States if the Soviets launched an unprovoked attack.
Myth: The
“innocents” were harassed by “Sen. Joe McCarthy’s House Un-American Activities
Committee.” Fact No. 1: Joe McCarthy never investigated Hollywood. Fact No. 2:
McCarthy, as a senator, never was permitted to be a member (let alone chairman)
of a House Committee. Anyone claiming otherwise either is trying to cement a
“big lie,” or needs a refresher course in grade-school civics.