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The Art of Probing (1965-06-13)
About this film
Concentrating on the Congressional investigation, this program examines the enormous work involved in the pre-investigative stage and explores the controversies surrounding Congressional probes. Taking into account the value of a probe, the program considers various reasons why they're undertaken - to watchdog of the executive branch, to study a national problem that can be resolved by legislation, and to muster public support behind an issue. Criticism of the Congressional probe is examined with respect to abuse and use of the Fifth Amendment and the questions of partisanship. Incorporated in the program are interviews with Congressmen directly and indirectly involved with legislative probes and a brief recounting of some of the news-making hearings held since World War II - such as those of the House Un-American Activities Committee and the one-man crusade of the late Senator Joseph McCarthy (R - Wisconsin), and the Kefauver investigation of the drug industry. Among the legislators and critics interviewed by host Joseph McCaffrey are: U.S. Senator John L. McClellan (D - Arkansas), chairman of the Senate Permanent Investigating Sub-Committee. Congressman Edwin Willis (D - Louisian…
Directors & creators
National Educational Television and Radio Center
Subjects
Congressional investigations, HUAC, House Un-American Activities Committee, Joseph McCarthy, Kefauver Committee, John McClellan, Karl Mundt, Fifth Amendment, legislative oversight, executive branch, National Educational Television, 1960s government, partisanship, congressional power
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