Fall Reading 2018 Blacklisted: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment

Looking for a book that ties in censorship, government oversight, and playing to the fears of the general public? The latest by Larry Dane Brimner has all of that and lots more. He traces the hearings held by the House Un-American Activities Committee as they confronted screenwriters, directors, and producers that they felt posed a threat. This perceived threat was based on involvement in Communist groups or what was seen as promoting Communist values through the movies they created.

Brimner walks readers through the hearings and how the Hollywood Ten, as the first "hostile witnesses" were called, denied the Committee's authority under the Constitution to question an individual's "political views and personal associations." That denial led to prison terms and heavy fines, the loss of their jobs and livelihoods, and widespread fallout in their personal lives, too. The book also includes photos of the HUAC members, the witnesses, as well as copies of political cartoons, telegrams, and other documents related to the hearings.

The incredible thing is that the committee members didn't seem to realize they were acting like Russian investigators during Stalin's purges rather than like elected representatives of a society that values the right to free speech and free association. The plentiful quotes from the men involved show their thought processes as they weigh the few options they have - admit they are a Communist and throw others under the bus (to use a colloquialism), or deny their affiliation and go to jail. It's a devil or the deep blue sea choice.

For middle school and older grades this is a helpful text to use when studying the Cold War. It also has the possibility of opening conversation about similarities to today's political climate.

I read a review copy provided by the publisher.