Portrait of Howard Hughes on Trial

(Original Caption) Here is the view a spectator (fortunate enough to find himself seated in the front row, center) would get of the Senate Investigating Committee proceedings. Dotted with stormy sessions, verbal battles and baitings between the subcommittee chairman, Sen. Homer Ferguson (R), Michigan, and the parade of star-studded witnesses the hearings are nearing the climax of their original intent. Howard Hughes, multimillionaire plane builder, whose war contracts are presently being investigated, is shown seated (at left with back to camera) using the head set hearing device in following the questions fired at him by Sen. Ferguson, who faces him (center, right). Next to Ferguson (left) is William P. Rogers, Comm. Counsel. (Extreme right) Next to Hughes is his Counsel Thomas A.Slack.