Overview
This lecture discusses the Red Scare in postwar America, focusing on the House Committee on Un-American Activities' (HUAC) investigations into Hollywood and the impact on individuals accused of communist ties.
HUAC and Hollywood Investigations
- In 1947, Congress revived the House Committee on Un-American Activities to investigate communist influence in the U.S.
- HUAC targeted Hollywood, suspecting that films might contain communist propaganda.
- Committee members questioned screenwriters, actors, and producers about alleged communist affiliations.
- Some Hollywood professionals stated they rejected scripts with supposed communist ideas.
- Accusations centered on small groups perceived as following Communist Party tactics within guilds.
The Hollywood Ten and Constitutional Rights
- Ten film industry professionals (the "Hollywood Ten") refused to answer questions about their political beliefs.
- The Hollywood Ten cited their First Amendment rights and refused to admit or deny communist membership.
- They argued that the committee's questioning violated basic American principles and the Bill of Rights.
- Some in Hollywood publicly supported the Hollywood Ten’s right to silence and due process.
Blacklisting and Aftermath
- Those who refused to cooperate were imprisoned and blacklisted, losing their jobs in the industry.
- Blacklisted individuals had to work under pseudonyms and were paid less.
- The blacklist environment created widespread fear and led to significant personal and professional distress.
- Reports indicated the blacklist may have contributed to possible suicides and general misery in Hollywood.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Red Scare — Period of intense fear of communism in the United States after World War II.
- HUAC — House Committee on Un-American Activities, a congressional group investigating alleged subversive activities.
- Hollywood Ten — Group of film professionals who refused to testify before HUAC about communist ties.
- Blacklist — Industry practice of denying employment to individuals suspected of communist sympathies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Bill of Rights, focusing on the First Amendment.
- Read about the impact of the Red Scare on American culture and civil liberties.