N E W   D E A L   N E T W O R K

The Great Depression and the Arts
A Unit of Study for Grades 8-12

Home  |   Teachers' Guide  |   Lesson Plans  |   Project Information  |   Credits

Special Committee on Un-American Propaganda Activities in the United States

House of Representatives 1938

Charles Walton

Charles St. Bermay Walton was a stage manager for the New York Federal Theatre Project. In the excerpt below he is questioned by Congressman Joe Starnes (Alabama).

Mr. Starnes. What is your occupation, Mr. Walton?

Mr. Walton. Stage director on the Federal Theatre Project.

Mr. Starnes. Do you hold any official connection with the Federal Theatre Project?

Mr. Walton. Well, I am what is known as an administrative worker, as a director of plays.

Mr. Starnes. How long have you been engaged in activities under, with, or through the Federal Theatre Project?

Mr. Walton. I was appointed a year ago last April.

Mr. Starnes. Have you had any difficulty in the plays which you have directed this far, any movement or agitation that would be deemed subversive or un-American?

Mr. Walton. No, sir; for the simple reason —

Mr. Starnes (interposing). Has any communistic propaganda been disseminated in the casts which you have directed?

Mr. Walton. No, sir; for this reason — that I have made myself very clear, at the risk of being discharged long since, that I loathe Communists, and everything un-American; I would not have one in my cast or in my plays.

Mr. Starnes. Have they had those difficulties in the casts of other plays up there?

Mr. Walton. Oh, continually.

Mr. Starnes. You personally know that large communistic elements or groups have been placed in the casts of some of those plays?

Mr. Walton. Yes, sir.

Mr. Starnes. I use the word "placed," because, as I understand, they are all taken from the pool and placed.

Mr. Walton. Yes sir; that is correct.

Mr. Starnes. It is your statement that in making assignments or placements from the pool, those who were known to be members of the C.P.C. or the Workers Alliance were given preference over all others?

Mr. Walton. Positively.

Mr. Starnes. You know that to be a fact, from personal observations and experience?

Mr. Walton. Absolutely the fact.

Mr. Starnes. Were you ever approached to join the C.P.C. or the Workers Alliance?

Mr. Walton. Yes, sir.

Home  |   Teachers' Guide  |   Lesson Plans  |   Project Information  |   Credits
The Great Depression and the Arts

N E W   D E A L   N E T W O R K