The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-30
Fidelity League
and Managers Take
open Shop" Stand
Joint Meeting Results in Move
to Stop Equity's Alleged
Attacks.

Al a joint meeting of the Actors FL
deity League and the Producing Man
ayers Association Yesterday a definite
stand for the open shop" in the dra-
matte profession was taken. The meet
ing was called primarily for the purpose
of giving the officers Of the Producing
Managers Association the opportunity
of replying 10 alleged statements by
members OF the Actors Equity Associa-
ton that the producers favor the idea of
the CLOSED shop Sam II. Harris. pres!
dent of the Managers Association, was
one OF the producers present who de-
clared emphatically against the CLOSED
shop"
In addition to Mr.. Harris. the man.
| ayers were represented at the meeting.
which was held In the rehearsal room OF
John Golden's office by Marc Klaw.
Henry W. Savage George Nicolai and
Mr.. Golden. The Fidelity was repre-
! sented by Louis Mann second vice-pres-
ident; Miss Ruth Chatterton, treasurer:
Howard Kyle. secretary HolbroolS
Blinn, Miss Frances Starr Miss Janet
Beecher. Arthur Ashley, Kenyon Bishop,
Miss Ina Claire. Miss Marguerite ST.
John. Arleen Hackett, Curtis Cooksey
and Lionel Braham.
! Mr.. Kyle read letter from Henry
Miller. who is in Washington, to the
| Manager Association
After reciting many alleged acts of
abuse, intimidation and unfairness on
the part of the Actors Equity against
members Of the Fidelity League. Mr..
Miller said
THE latest boge9 that has been
paraded in the attempt TO frighten those
who have believed that they might fol-
low the dictates Of their conscience under
the laws of this country is the threat
of the closed shop, or as this organiza-
| ton styles 1t, the Equity shop Ordi-
narily this can have but little terror
for anyone. Indeed 1t rather provokes
the hope that such an attempt Will be
made, for then that vaulting ambition
of autocracy will o'erleap itself and
come a cropper.
80. with these facts in mind we have
come 70 you with our first request-if
as report so often tells. the practice is
found Of discrimination against the
Actors Fidelity members. we ask
whether il is to be countenanced by
you: or whether we can carry the good
cheer to our membership that the MEM
bers of the Producing Managers Asso-
citation will stand by them in their
right TO live under and by the laws
set down"
When the letter had been read Mr.
Kyle cited repeated instances in which
members of the Actors Equity Associa-
! ton had stated that the producing man
ayers are in accord with the closed shop
In reply Mr.. Harris said that not only
he but o.her members of the managers
/ association are opposed to the closed
shop. lie added that he would send let
tiers 70 their organizations. directing each
manager at each first rehearsal to make
definite statement that perfect neutral
! ity must be observed by the company
and that no propa ganda would be per-
/ nitted. Violations of such neutrality.
Mr.. Harris added would be regarded as
! breaches of the agreements reached be-
tween producers and actors after the
strike of year ago. The stage manager
of each company will be required to OBJ
serve a non-partisan attitude. and will be
responsible to the manager of the COM
pany. Mr.. Harris said that the Actors
| Fidelity League would receive formal
letter from the Producing Managers AS
sociatior. 70 this effect in few days.