· American Studies UWA ·

   AS30020: America in the era of the Cold War

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Why was Hollywood such a concern for anti-Communists in Cold War America?
Although the relationship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union before the war was dubious, many films that came out of Hollywood during the war were favouably liberal.  This was due to Russia's alliance with the U.S. in the war and so to show recognition of this, minor tributes of Russia's honour and bravery etc were included in films which would later face the scrutiny of HUAC.

Once the Russians became the enemy, the liberal material in these films were deemed as communist propaganda by HUAC.  Actors, writers and directors as well as big-wig studio bosses were placed under suspicion.  The concern was that certain people in these positions of power in Hollywood were manipulating the film industry with their 'red' politics, thus manipulating the American audience.

. The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) was an
investigating committee of the United States House of Representatives,
which became a standing (permanent) committee in 1946, a manifestation of
the 'Red Scare' and the widespread fears of communist influence and
infiltration on the US society and government. The committee investigated
what it considered un-American propaganda and subversion that "attacks the
form of government guaranteed by our Constitution.", However it was later
condemned by many for persecuting people and ruining lives and careers on
account of personal political beliefs.

. The United States and the Soviet Union both used propaganda extensively
during the Cold War. Both sides used film, television and radio
programming to influence their own citizens, each other and Third World
nations.  Both the HUAC and McCarthy therefore kept a watchful eye on
Hollywood, and any people who appeared to have Communist links or
sympathies were called to face the committee to prevent any 'un-American'
messages being presented to the American nation.

. The Hollywood Ten was a group of American screenwriters and directors,
alleged members of the Communist Party, convicted of contempt of Congress
during the height of the Red Scare.  In October of 1947, they appeared
before, and refused to cooperate with, the House Un-American Activities
Committee which was investigating Communist influence in the Hollywood
labor unions. They were convicted in 1948 serving 6-month (in two cases)
or 1-year prison terms in 1950.

. On November 25, 1947 (the day after the full House approved citations of
contempt) they were "blacklisted" by the major Hollywood producers, who
declared they would be fired or suspended and not rehired until they were
acquitted of contempt and had sworn that they were not Communists. As a
result they were unable to obtain work in the American film and television
industry for many years. Although many managed to continue making films by
using pseudonyms or 'fronts'. Sadly many other innocent actors,
screenwriters and directors were blacklisted during the McCarthy era, at
the height of his influence anyone with links to someone who had already
been blacklisted, was assured of a place on the list, Communist or not.

. The Hollywood system of the 1950's became unreceptive and highly
suspicious of any films that appeared to deal with political issues of the
time.  While there were members of the Hollywood system who were against
McCarthy and his bullying tactics, their protests were unsuccessful and
often halted by betrayal from other members of the industry determined to
keep working.  It was not until after McCarthy's censorship and fall from
grace that they were exonerated.
 

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 · American Studies UWA ·