Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The ‘Hollywood Godfather’ you’ve never heard of
You’ve probably never heard of Billy Wilkerson, but he had a huge influence on Hollywood. He started the blacklist during the Red Scare, and there might not have been a Clark Gable without him.
By Madeleine Brand • • 48m ListenYou’ve probably never heard of Billy Wilkerson, but he had a huge influence on Hollywood. He started the blacklist during the Red Scare, and there might not have been a Clark Gable without him.
Image of Hollywood Godfather: The Life and Crimes of Billy Wilkerson courtesy of Chicago Review Press (September 4, 2018).
In this episode
4 storiesWill millennials vote in the midterms?
Democrats are banking on millennials and Generation Z to turn out in big numbers to help them take back the House or Senate. But a new poll says only one in three potential young voters definitely plans to cast their ballot on election day.
Read the story9 minDespite being under indictment, Duncan Hunter leads in the polls
For nearly 40 years, someone named Hunter has represented a conservative congressional district north of San Diego. Duncan Hunter has served there since 2009. He took over from his dad, also named Duncan.
Read the story9 minHow some migrant kids could get adopted without their parents knowing
Remember the migrant chaos a few months ago, when children were separated from their parents? That’s officially over. But hundreds of children remain in detention, shelters, or foster care.
Read the story11 minHow the man who created the Hollywood Reporter used it to wield absolute power
Billy Wilkerson was a would-be filmmaker in the 1920s, but studio bosses stymied his efforts. To retaliate, Wilkerson created the Hollywood Reporter, which launched in September 1930.
Read the story18 min
