Business Movers Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | The Red Scare | 4
14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 Howard Hughes' obsessive quest to root out communists nearly collapses RKO Pictures. A critical courtroom moment reveals the moral dilemmas Hollywood faced during the Red Scare. His extreme measures alienate talent and plunge the studio into financial chaos. Court battles expose Hughes' psychological struggles and the weight of fame. High-stakes negotiations illustrate the turmoil of ownership, showcasing Hughes' ambitious yet disastrous decisions. Ultimately, his legacy reshapes the entertainment industry amidst the emerging rise of television.
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Firing Paul Jericho
- Howard Hughes fired screenwriter Paul Jericho claiming he was a communist and invoked the morals clause to justify the dismissal.
- The firing happened before Jericho testified and set the stage for a high-profile court fight that Hughes ultimately won.
Hughes Ran RKO Like An Independent
- After buying RKO, Howard drastically cut output and operated the studio like an obsessive independent producer.
- His focus on spectacle and control generated headlines but caused steep financial losses and staff departures.
Midnight Call To Purge Suspected Reds
- Howard called Sam Bischoff at midnight to demand firing Paul Jericho after Jericho was subpoenaed by HUAC.
- Hughes ordered Jericho's work trashed and insisted RKO would tolerate no suspected communists.
