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Undisputed Stars. In defense of Operation Abolition, Committee Chairman Walter charges that much of the criticism stems from Red-led groups eager to see the committee abolished, claims that the film "has provided a great contribution in the fight against Communism." Without defending the students' snarling defiance of the cops, critics of the film note that even Committee Investigator William Wheeler admitted "distortions" in the editing, e.g., footage shown out of time sequence, claim that the Communist influence is exaggerated. A careful sifting of evidence by a team of San Francisco News-Call Bulletin reporters supports the critics. San Francisco's Mayor George Christopher gives his qualified approval of the movie but acknowledges that "at least 90% of the students were not organized by the Communists." Fact is that nobody comes off very well in Operation Abolition. Commentator Lewis reaches for smooth explanations that are not quite there. The windy interludes by committee members get in the way of the documentary itself. And the hell-raising students reflect little glory on higher education. But—as they obviously intended to be—the undisputed stars of the show are the acknowledged Communist witnesses and agitators playing themselves with chilling conviction.
*Son of Conservative Columnist and Radio Commentator Fulton Lewis Jr.