You Must Remember This 80: The Blacklist Part 10: Salt of the Earth: Howard Hughes + Paul Jarrico
Apr 26, 2016
Delve into the murky waters of Hollywood's blacklisting era, focusing on Howard Hughes's influential role in suppressing dissent. Discover the extraordinary story of Paul Jarrico, who fought against RKO after being wrongfully terminated. The podcast highlights the creation of 'Salt of the Earth,' amidst fierce opposition from powerful entities. It also uncovers the complexities of the morals clause and the struggles of blacklisted filmmakers to voice their truth against a backdrop of fear and censorship. A riveting look at resilience in cinema!
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Hughes Weaponized Studio Ownership
- Howard Hughes used his ownership of RKO to enforce blacklist policies across Hollywood and beyond.
- His influence reached media, unions, and even Congress, amplifying the blacklist's power.
Paul Jarrico's Hollywood Rise
- Paul Jarrico (born Israel Shapiro) joined the Communist Party young and pursued Hollywood as a means to influence film.
- He changed his name, became a successful script fixer, and signed with RKO at $2,000/week before being targeted.
Invisible, Total Control Style
- Hughes ran RKO remotely and obsessively monitored personnel, scripts, and screenings via intermediaries.
- He cultivated paranoia with spies, vetting employees using paid reports and a control-heavy workflow.