A hearing in front of the United States Senate's Kefauver Committee investigating crime and interstate commerce. Panel including Chairman Kefauver (Tennessee) in the hearing along with other committee members Herbert R. O'Conor (Maryland); Lester Hunt (Wyoming); Charles Tobey (New Hampshire); Alexander Wiley (Wisconsin). Scenes of former prosecutor and former New York City Mayor, William O'Dwyer, being interviewed about Kid Twist Reles and Albert Anastasia. Then O'Dwyer questioning the campaign fundraising ethics of the committee member Charles Tobey and the committee member angrily defending himself. Then views of Frank Costello on the stand. He is asked about what he has done for his country and replies with the famous "Paid my tax" response. Laughter breaks out among those in attendance.
Excerpt from Kefauver Hearings. Senate's Kefauver Committee investigating crime and interstate commerce. Panel including Chairman Kefauver (Tennessee) in the hearing along with other committee members Herbert R. O'Conor (Maryland); Lester Hunt (Wyoming); Charles Tobey (New Hampshire); Alexander Wiley (Wisconsin). John Crane, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, admits to paying the mayor $10,000 for the support of the firemen. Spruille Braden, head of the New York City anti-crime committee, testifies and calls for tougher measures against criminals. Members of the Committee noting down points.
U.S. Federal Court House, Foley Square, New York City. Two men wait by elevator, wearing hats and smoking . Several other men join them. Cameramen take their photographs. A policeman stands by elevator door. One man carries newspaper 'The New York Times'. They enter Room Number 2805. Scenes of Frank Costello, and entourage, moving through the Courthouse, with photographers taking pictures.
Kefauver Committe hearings on organized crime in interstate commerce.. Views of court house in New York where some hearings took place. Photographers and press interviewing three women in the courthouse lobby. Cameras of press news organizations and journalists are set up on tripod stand by cameramen. Camera of television station 'WPIX' is also seen. Bookie, Frank Erickson, with counsel, in hall of the courthouse. Several persons are photographed and interviewed by the press. Press with cameras encircle lawyer George Levy, of Nassau Trotting Association, and follow him as he walks, carrying a cigar. The take flash photographs with large format cameras. Frank Erickson accompanied by counsel, is seen walking in hall and then entering hearing room. Final shot is of George Levy, again.
Excerpt from Kefauver Hearings. Senate's Kefauver Committee investigating crime and interstate commerce. Panel including Chairman Kefauver (Tennessee) in the hearing along with other committee members Herbert R. O'Conor (Maryland); Lester Hunt (Wyoming); Charles Tobey (New Hampshire); Alexander Wiley (Wisconsin). Views of Frank Costello on the stand addressing the hearing, seated beside his counsel. Views of the Committee including Estes Kefauver. The Committee goes into recess and the attendees get up. Committee reconvened and listening to testimony. Various camera angles of the hearings.
Excerpt from Kefauver Hearings. Senate's Kefauver Committee investigating crime and interstate commerce. Panel including Chairman Kefauver (Tennessee) in the hearing along with other committee members Herbert R. O'Conor (Maryland); Lester Hunt (Wyoming); Charles Tobey (New Hampshire); Alexander Wiley (Wisconsin). Close views of each member of the committee as various witnesses take the stand and address the committee. Estes Kefauver adjusting his glasses. The committee takes testimony from attorney George Levy of the Nassau Trotting Association, who is interrogated by the Committee's Chief Counsel, Rudolph Halley. .