Trumbo

Synopsis

In 1947, 2 Hollywood directors, 1 producer and 7 writers resisted the inquisition of the House Committee of UnAmerican Activities. Collectively known as the Hollywood Ten, they were charged with contempt of Congress and jailed. Trumbo is an account, by his son, of one of the most prominent of these blacklisted artists, the screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Using his father s letters and diaries he draws a remarkable picture of what it was like to lose your livelihood, your voice and even your name.

Our Review:

19 March 2009

Dalton Trumbo’s screenwriting credits include classics such as Exodus, Papillon and Spartacus. Indeed, the famous scene where all of Spartacus’ loyal men declare they are Spartacus to protect their beloved leader has an extraordinary ironic resonance when you learn about Trumbo’s own life.

He was one of many filmmakers and artists to be investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee and was accused of being a Communist. After refusing to answer their questions or point the finger at his friends he was jailed for 12 months for contempt of Congress. He was then sacked by MGM and found himself unable to find work as he was on the infamous ‘blacklist’.

Nick Waring plays Trumbo’s son Christopher, who wrote and compiled the piece, and fondly recalls his memories of his Father and links the series of his letters which are read with mesmerising conviction, wry humour and towering indignatio...

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