Evening star., 1941-09-29

subcommittee's investigation into
the movie industry.
You'll hear everything discussed
from the temperature OF the lining
of the stomach of the whale that
swallowed Jonah, to how many
rings redwood tree must have be-
fore it can take an active part in
congressional election.
The original plan was for the
Senate subcommittee to determine
whether or not the movie industry
was foisting war propaganda on the
holder of orchestra. balcony, mezZa-
nine and loge seats. There is a
chance that the committee may fin
ally get around to that, but so far
it has carefully avoided it.
~ ~
1t has discussed everything else
under the sun. I have been listen
ing to the investigation for three
days and here is a partial list Of
the subjects that have been taken
ulQer COnSluerdClOn.
The freedom of the seas.
The Supreme Court.
Whether or not an evening dress
ripped apart while Alice Faye was
wearing it, revealing Miss Faye to
the multitude.
The cigarette industry.
4f
manager in Nashville by the name
Of Crull.
The advisability of feeding starved
nations conquered by Nazi Germany.
The beauty of Arizona climate
and the joys Of weather in Idaho,
particularly of that near Sun VAL
| ley.
Just how good Hedda Hopper Is
as movie gossip.
| Monopoly.
Love and how it affects the sons
and daughters of movie executives
Wendell WILKES stand on isola-
ton.
| John Paul Jones.
Patrick Henry.
The happiness that is TO be gained
by having grandchildren.
The 1910 presidential campaign.
National unity.
Joseph Stain.
Norwegian war aces who have
escaped to this country.
No man with a sane mind could
tell you just how these things came
up and in which order they were
discussed. One minute Senator Tobey
is saying it's great to have grand
children around his knee and the
next he is putting the heat on
the British war Offices in this coun-
try for refusing to hire Irish. Ger
man or Jewish Stenographers.
Before you can straighten that
out in your mind, Senator Clark is
discussing Senators who have taken
$1,000 for cigarette Endorsements
and asking a Hollywood witness
who handles the newspaper adver-
tising for his company.
Groggily you take notes as Harry
Warner Of Warner Brothers quotes
Patrick Henry and John Paul Jones,
and Senator Brooks Of Illinois tells
how he was a magnificent soldier in
the last war and that lots of people
are going to be disillusioned about
this war for democracy. Before you
can congratulate Senator Brooks for
being a great soldier Senator Clark
is shooting the works on how i'm
portant it is to have unity and
how Jimmie Fidler swore to tell
the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, when he was
on the stand few days ago.
Then Wendell Willkie objects to
remarks about him, and before you
know it, every one is talking at
once, and your head is mad mix
ture of isolation, Intervention, all
| OuG dlU, 1lISIY HhlCIlId ldoO
and THE Mortal Storm" Under
ground Escape" Confessions Of
a Nad Spy" and John Bunny's last
movie.
Every half hour or so some one
remembers that the investigation
has to do with movie propaganda.
Yes, yes, that's right, some one
says.
There is a minute or two of in
vestigation and then the witnesses
and investigators are of on a mad
race to see how we'll they can ex-
press their views on everything from
how to clip dog tails to bean soup.
It's all nuts.
It makes no sense.
The investigation will end with
no point having been proved.
The only benefactors will be the
listeners, who will have gained O
liberal education and a well-rounded
bewilderment for the way Senators
high and mighty Senators-go