Film Composer David Raksin Testifies Against Frank Tuttle

David Raksin

It happened more than once: HUAC interrogators pushed interviewees into a corner, encouraging them to name director Frank Tuttle. Why such sensitivity towards Tuttle? His name appeared on the FBI's list very early on. He was successful, and his name had been known and respected since the 1920s. He was highly educated (a Yale graduate) and sophisticated (an amateur painter and sportsman); furthermore, his luxurious Beverly Hills mansion was, in fact, a meeting place for members of the Communist Party. To HUAC, Tuttle was the epitome of the corrupting Red element in the movie industry.

So, contrary to the common notion that Tuttle was a "stool pigeon", there were others who named him first. I've read at least three different movie people mentioning his name at HUAC hearings between 1947 and 1951, including the Esquire film critic Jack Moffitt.

Here's one example from September 1951 when film composer David Raksin testifies again Tuttle.

Tavenner: Will you state your full name, please, sir.
Raksin: My name is David Raksin, R-a-k-s-i-n.

Tavenner: When and where were you born, Mr. Raksin ?
Raksin: I was born in Philadelphia, PA, August 4, 1912.

Tavenner: What is your occupation?
Raksin: I am a composer.

Tavenner: Mr. Raksin, at the close of the session yesterday, Mr. Martin Berkeley was called before the committee in executive session and in the course of his testimony in executive session he informed the committee that for a period of time you had been a member of the Communist Party. I would like to ask you. whether or not that advice to the committee is correct.
Raksin: It is, sir.

Tavenner: When did you become a member of the Communist Party?
Raksin: In the summer of 1938. I date it from around my birthday, which is in August.

Tavenner: During the course of your Communist Party membership did you meet other persons who were known to you to be members of the Communist Party?
Eaksin: Richard Collins, Budd Schulberg, Waldo Salt, Paul Jarrico, and I can't think who else.

Tavenner: Mr. Collins was a director, I believe... No, Mr. Collins was a writer.
Raksin: Yes, Richard Collins.

Tavenner: Do you recall whether there was a director in your group?
Raksin: In this group, as far as I know, there was not.

Tavenner: Did you learn to know within the Communist Party any director of the studio.
Raksin: I did indeed. This was Frank Tuttle, who is a motion picture director.

Tavenner: Did you ever attend Communist Party meetings in his home?
Raksin: I did attend a couple of them at his home.