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60th Anniversary of the House Un-American Activities Committee
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In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee began its investigation of suspected communists in the film industry, resulting in the blacklisting of the “Hollywood Ten,” who refused to answer questions and name others who had leftist leanings. Later, some 300 other artists were boycotted by the studios. In its observance of these dark days, TCM presents the work of some of the blacklisted filmmakers.
Six of the Hollywood Ten are represented in TCM’s festival: writer Dalton Trumbo and director Edward Dmytryk (Tender Comrade, 1943), who is pictured above; producer Adrian Scott (Deadline at Dawn, 1946); writer Ring Lardner, Jr. (The Cross of Lorraine, 1943); and writers Lester Cole and Alvah Bessie (Objective, Burma!, 1945). All of these men served time in prison and, after their blacklisting, were able to resume their careers in film and television in some fashion—sometimes working in other countries or under pseudonyms. In 1960, with Spartacus, Trumbo became the first blacklisted writer to use his own name on a major Hollywood film.
Although not directly named by HUAC, director Martin Ritt (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1965) became caught up in the Red Scare in 1952 while acting, directing and producing for television. Blacklisted by the TV industry, Ritt returned to his roots in theater. He began directing features in the late 1950s, as HUAC influence was waning, and quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
by Roger Fristoe
 
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31 Days of Oscar Highlights for Feb. 16
Join us for Billy Wilder's outrageous comedy Some Like It Hot (1959), nominated for 6 Oscars® plus The Odd Couple (1968), Grand Hotel (1932), Key Largo (1948) and 9 more Academy Award honorees.
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