American History Hit

Hollywood Blacklist

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Episode notes

After World War 2 ended, the Nazis defeated, America feared communist infiltration of its institutions, among them, Hollywood.

In November 1947, a number of high profile ‘friendly witnesses’ in the film industry, including Walt Disney and Jack Warner of Warner Brothers, appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee and named people and organisations they believed were associated with communists.

As Don hears from Dr. Kathleen Feeley - Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Redlands, this began a witch hunt for communists in the entertainment industry, which lasted more than a decade.

Hundreds of writers, producers and actors - many with no affiliation with communism - were left unable to work.

Senior Producer: Charlotte Long. Producer: Benjie Guy. Mixed by Benjie Guy.

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