Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was formed in the 1930s, but became a national force in the late 1940s. It tested the meaning and boundaries of American democracy at a time when anti-Semitism was rampant throughout the country, and Communisim was emerging as America’s greatest threat. As careers and loyalties were affected into the 1950s, many actors, actresses, directors and writers took different approaches that ultimately impacted their careers. This lecture will describe that contentious period in 20th century America, and it includes two film clips that define the era when friends turned on friends and famous stars became outcasts.