Hollywood Exiles 4. Hearts and minds
Feb 12, 2024
Delve into the dramatic intersection of Hollywood and politics during the 1940s. Discover how the FBI's scrutiny influenced classic films, including the beloved 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Learn about the Motion Picture Alliance, led by icons like John Wayne, who aimed to counter perceived communist threats in cinema. Explore Ayn Rand's impact on screenwriters and the tension between artistic integrity and studio control. Witness the struggles of writers navigating a politically charged landscape while trying to preserve their creative voices.
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Norma Barsman's Career
- Norma Barsman, a 101-year-old Hollywood communist, started as a journalist at the L.A. Examiner.
- She even met William Randolph Hearst and later became a screenwriter.
Politics in Hollywood
- In Hollywood, politics, especially progressive causes, were important.
- The line between progressivism and communism was often blurred.
Ben Barsman's Communism
- Ben Barsman, a screenwriter, joined the Communist Party during the Depression.
- He saw it as a way to fight injustice and support workers' rights, not to overthrow the government.
