One who cooperated with the
investigation by the
House Un-American Activities Committee in the
1940s by testifying to any
Communist activity they were aware of in
Hollywood. "
Friendly witnesses" were allowed to read from prepared
statements and were treated with
cordiality and
respect.
The list of friendly witnesses included
Jack Warner,
Louis B. Mayer,
Elia Kazan,
Ayn Rand,
Ronald Reagan, and
Gary Cooper.