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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

The Red Scare and the Hollywood Blacklist

An update on the Hollywood Reporter's role in the anti-Communist witch-hunt that led to blacklisting of movie stars, writers and others who refused to cooperate with HUAC.

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By Warren Olney • Nov 22, 2012 • 50m Listen

This week's Hollywood Reporter carries the story, "The Most Sinful Period in Hollywood History," about that publication's role in the anti-Communist witch-hunt that led to the blacklisting of movie stars, writers and others who refused to cooperate with the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Accompanying the story is an apology from Willie Wilkerson, whose father founded the Hollywood Reporter itself — and then used it to name alleged Communist sympathizers — ruining many careers. We talk with Marsha Hunt, a surviving victim, and with Wilkerson about his apology to those whose careers were ruined, in part, by what he called his father's desire for vengeance. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, is American air travel on the descent?

Banner image: A lobby display about the Hollywood Blacklist. Photo by the aclu.socal/flickr

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

    News
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