Hollywood’s Blacklist: The Unfolding Story of the Hollywood Ten

In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) summoned 41 American screenwriters, directors, and producers to investigate alleged “subversive” elements within the entertainment industry. The central question they faced was, “Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” Those who answered “yes” were pressured to reveal other Communist affiliations, leading to a significant clash between the committee and Hollywood.

The Blacklist and Its Impact

Ten individuals—screenwriters, producers, and directors—refused to testify before HUAC, citing their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association. These ten, known as the Hollywood Ten, were subsequently blacklisted and faced incarceration for their non-compliance. Most served between six to twelve months in prison starting from 1950. During this time, they were boycotted and faced severe difficulties finding work in film, television, or theater, leading to significant career and personal hardships.

The Hollywood Ten

1. Alvah Bessie (1904-1985): A screenwriter and theater critic who had fought against fascism as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War in 1938. He was known for his staunch opposition to the HUAC and its methods.
2. Herbert J. Biberman (1900-1971): A director and screenwriter, Biberman and his wife both refused to testify, invoking the Fifth Amendment.
3. Ring Lardner Jr. (1915-2000): A screenwriter and board member of the Screen Writers Guild, Lardner wrote for films like Woman of the Year (1942). After his imprisonment, he worked under pseudonyms until regaining recognition with The Cincinnati Kid and winning an Oscar for MASH* in 1971.
4. Lester Cole (1904-1985): A prolific screenwriter and co-founder of the Screen Writers Guild, Cole was also among the blacklisted.
5. Edward Dmytryk (1908-1999): An Oscar-winning director known for Crossfire (1947), Dmytryk initially refused to cooperate but later confessed to HUAC, naming others in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. He returned to Hollywood after his release.
6. John Howard Lawson (1894-1977): An Oscar-nominated writer for Blockade (1938), Lawson also faced imprisonment for refusing to testify.
7. Albert Maltz (1908-1985): Known for his work on Pride of the Marines (1945), Maltz continued writing under pseudonyms and later received credit for Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970).
8. Samuel Ornitz (1890-1957): A screenwriter and playwright, Ornitz published a novel while in prison but never returned to Hollywood after his release.
9. Adrian Scott (1911-1972): Scott sued RKO Pictures for wrongful dismissal but continued his career writing for television under his wife’s name, Joanne Court.
10. Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976): A screenwriter nominated for an Oscar for Kitty Foyle (1940), Trumbo’s recognition came posthumously when he was awarded an Oscar for Roman Holiday in 1992.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Ten’s defiance against HUAC led to a profound impact on their lives and careers, reflecting broader themes of political persecution and the fight for civil liberties. Their stories highlight the severe consequences of the blacklist era, which not only affected the individuals directly involved but also reshaped the landscape of American entertainment. The period remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between national security and individual rights.

The HUAC operated until 1975, leaving behind a legacy of fear and repression that continued to influence Hollywood and American society for decades. The repercussions of this era serve as a crucial lesson in the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms in the face of political pressure.