Dave Davies

Let's listen.

Let's listen.

Let's listen.

And with about 35 wraps of the gavel there, boy, intense stuff. This is the House Un-American Activities Committee, Howard Lawson, who himself was actually a member of the Communist Party, right?

And with about 35 wraps of the gavel there, boy, intense stuff. This is the House Un-American Activities Committee, Howard Lawson, who himself was actually a member of the Communist Party, right?

And with about 35 wraps of the gavel there, boy, intense stuff. This is the House Un-American Activities Committee, Howard Lawson, who himself was actually a member of the Communist Party, right?

And it was not illegal to be in the communist party then?

And it was not illegal to be in the communist party then?

And it was not illegal to be in the communist party then?

That would change.

That would change.

That would change.

You know, it's fascinating to read how quickly this anti-communist movement gained momentum. And the events around this particular hearing are a case in point. You know, there were 10 witnesses who were all screenwriters, I think, who everyone knew were going to be really targeted by the committee. And they flew as a group from L.A. to New York. to get ready for the hearing.

You know, it's fascinating to read how quickly this anti-communist movement gained momentum. And the events around this particular hearing are a case in point. You know, there were 10 witnesses who were all screenwriters, I think, who everyone knew were going to be really targeted by the committee. And they flew as a group from L.A. to New York. to get ready for the hearing.

You know, it's fascinating to read how quickly this anti-communist movement gained momentum. And the events around this particular hearing are a case in point. You know, there were 10 witnesses who were all screenwriters, I think, who everyone knew were going to be really targeted by the committee. And they flew as a group from L.A. to New York. to get ready for the hearing.

And they met with their lawyers preparing. And one of the things that you write about in the book is that their lawyers met with Eric Johnston, who was head of the Motion Picture Association of America, the chief industry trade group, who told the lawyers for these artists who were expecting a tough time before this committee, don't worry, there will never be a blacklist, right?

And they met with their lawyers preparing. And one of the things that you write about in the book is that their lawyers met with Eric Johnston, who was head of the Motion Picture Association of America, the chief industry trade group, who told the lawyers for these artists who were expecting a tough time before this committee, don't worry, there will never be a blacklist, right?

And they met with their lawyers preparing. And one of the things that you write about in the book is that their lawyers met with Eric Johnston, who was head of the Motion Picture Association of America, the chief industry trade group, who told the lawyers for these artists who were expecting a tough time before this committee, don't worry, there will never be a blacklist, right?

I mean, this is remarkable, but things changed.

I mean, this is remarkable, but things changed.