overview
The Hollywood Blacklist was a result of anti-communism conspiracy in the film industry. Its roots can be traced back to the end of WWII, when the United States gradually broke their ally with Soviet Union due to its affiliation with communism. Apart from the tension built during the “arms race” of atomic weapons between the two powers, tension also arose within the American society in regards to infiltration of communist idea. The formation of the House of Un-American Activities Committee and subsequent trials and blacklisting were representation from the film industry of a broader communist conspiracy existing in all walks of life during that era.
From the end of WWII up to late 1950s, many were accused and some in turn started accusing as “friendly-witnesses”. Others who refused to “name names” or answer to accusations were jailed, exiled, and blacklisted from their jobs. Those who did not comply with the trials, especially the Hollywood Ten, were perceived as social activists because they were among first group of people being accused in the film industry. Most of them stood by their principle and refused to answer questions raised by the HUAC by stating the First Amendment concerning the freedom of speech.
From the end of WWII up to late 1950s, many were accused and some in turn started accusing as “friendly-witnesses”. Others who refused to “name names” or answer to accusations were jailed, exiled, and blacklisted from their jobs. Those who did not comply with the trials, especially the Hollywood Ten, were perceived as social activists because they were among first group of people being accused in the film industry. Most of them stood by their principle and refused to answer questions raised by the HUAC by stating the First Amendment concerning the freedom of speech.