Hollywood Exiles 2. Red menace
27 snips
Jan 29, 2024 
Dalton Trumbo, a renowned screenwriter and political activist, discusses his rise during the Red Scare, revealing the intense scrutiny Hollywood figures faced from the FBI. He shares insights on Charlie Chaplin's bold political statements in films like 'The Great Dictator' and the intertwining of art and activism during tumultuous times. The conversation highlights Hollywood as a battleground for ideals, where creativity clashed with state surveillance, and explores the legacy of radical ideas in the face of oppression.
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Hoover's Early Career
- In 1917, amidst WWI's end and the Russian Revolution, J. Edgar Hoover became a Special Agent.
- His initial task was pursuing German sympathizers, showcasing his rigorous approach.
The First Red Scare
- The Russian Revolution's success fueled similar movements in other countries, causing concern for conservatives like Hoover.
- The rise of strikes and anarchist attacks in the US led to the first Red Scare, boosting Hoover's career.
Chaplin's Early Scrutiny
- In 1922, the Bureau investigated Chaplin for hosting communist William Z. Foster.
- Chaplin's on-screen persona, frequently battling authority, further fueled suspicions.
