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1958-1961
Introduction
The recent release of the popular film Trumbo based on the Bruce Cook 1977
biography, together with the republication of that volume, and the appearance of
by blacklist scholar Larry Ceplair and Trumbo’s son Christopher, and the widely
read Kirk Douglas memoir I Am Spartacus: Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist,
have refocused popular attention on the events leading up to the beginning of the
end of the Hollywood blacklist. Many of these events were first described a
quarter of a century ago by film historian Jeff Smith in his carefully written and
Spartacus, and the End of the Blacklist” published in the University of Texas Press
periodical The Venus Light Trap and republished in revised form in 1999 in the
While groundbreaking, Smith’s essay did not exhaust all the key events
surrounding the beginning of the end of the blacklist, nor did his very extensive
1
source materials include everything that was written about them at the time or
since the publication of his essay. Film scholars are now beginning to dig deeper
into the demise of the blacklist in the way they once did into its genesis. To
expedite further research on this subject the author has produced a timeline
drawing upon all these sources in an attempt to produce a more complete picture
analysis of certain important events and public debates and of the motivations of
those who participated in them. The timeline uses a series of coded labels to
identify the references which recount the events contained therein. An alphabetic
listing of the labels, with full reference information for each, appears at the end of
the timeline.
The timeline also refers to a letter written by Dalton Trumbo on 17 January 1960
to his long time friend, agent and ally in the fight against the blacklist, Ingo
demonstrate that by the end of 1959 he did have free and open run of the
Universal Studios lot and offices, thereby settling one controversy that has
2
recently arisen around the actions (or lack thereof) taken by Kirk Douglas in
bringing that about. The letter also makes clear that at the time it was written,
with his script for Exodus complete, Trumbo was certain that he was going to
receive screen credit from Otto Preminger. Another published letter by Trumbo
Magazine, confirms this and strongly suggests that in his view, had his name
appeared on screen in the credits for only Exodus it would still have constituted a
The Timeline highlights not only the stubborn opposition to Trumbo’s efforts to
break the blacklist by the American Legion, but also the major efforts made by the
Committee (HUAC) to prevent him from obtaining screen credit for Spartacus. It
the eleventh hour that blocked the Committee from holding its planned new
Hollywood hearings in the fall of 1959 with the intention of shutting down the
entire black market in banned screen writers. Trumbo had written to President
3
Eisenhower on January 24, 1957 describing the role of all three branches of the
President found himself engaged in a public controversy with the Chairman of the
sent to Moscow under the auspices of the United States Information Agency
(USIA). Early in June Walter charged that over half of these works were done by
artists who had been involved in Communist “front” organizations or causes and
he wanted them removed from the exhibit. A few years before in 1956 the then
head of the USIA had cancelled a number of American art exhibits intended to be
sent to several other foreign countries because the works of some of the very
But at his July 1 news conference Eisenhower backed up the positions of the USIA
and the State Department and publicly refused to “censor” the exhibit, as he
4
termed it. Eisenhower was reported to be privately opposed to attacks on the
the week that he was anxious to avoid creating a situation analogous to the
suppression of writer Boris Pasternak’s Nobel prize winning novel, Dr. Zhivago by
the Russian government. In a telegram to the President, the four man jury
commended him for his stand as did many other individuals and institutions from
the art world. However, Walter vowed to press on with his efforts to eliminate at
least some of the works by the offending artists from the exhibit but to no avail.
His threat to hold hearings in July and call USIA and State Department officials as
witnesses devolved into one closed door session on the same day as the
further hearings took place. Upon its return to the US the exhibit was staged at
It was just at this same moment, at the start of July, that several reports of plans
for new HUAC Hollywood hearings in the fall appeared in the New York Times in
connection with stories concerning the warnings by the California Branch of the
5
American Legion in late May about the “re-infiltration of Communists” into the
film industry. In making his stand against government censorship of artists and
writers in connection with the USIA exhibit, Eisenhower had to have been
cognizant of the Committee’s plans for Hollywood hearings later in the year and
of the whole controversy over maintaining the blacklist, which was now much
more in the public eye as the result of several public statements by former
Academy Awards presented to blacklisted writer Nedrick Young, who had been
hired by Stanley Kramer to write the script for The Defiant Ones, and earlier to
Dalton Trumbo under the name Robert Rich for his story and script for The Brave
One. The Committee was apparently planning to hold these hearings some time
activities in Puerto Rico that were to be held in New York and San Juan. It was at
6
But the Committee never appeared. Given his recent mindset it seems likely that
his composure and soon afterwards announce that Trumbo would receive credit
for Exodus. The timeline thus attempts to explain Otto Preminger’s wildly
vacillating attitude during the period from November 1959 to January 1960
towards awarding blacklisted writer Albert Maltz and later Dalton Trumbo screen
credit for Exodus through these sudden rumors of the imminent appearance of
HUAC in Hollywood that began to circulate late in 1959 and then the failure by
came under attack by some right wing newspapers and the national commander
in the fray by producer Stanley Kramer who also insisted on his right to hire
7
anyone he chose, based on his own conscience, whatever their past political
affiliations, and announced that blacklisted writer Nedrick Young would be the
author of his forthcoming film, Inherit the Wind. When he too came under attack
from the Legion, he reiterated his position, leading to a debate between him and
moderate liberal and centrist personalities within the film industry and liberal
Kramer, Preminger and Kirk Douglas (who was also under attack), the American
Legion became much more isolated from mainstream public opinion in its defense
Stanley Kramer, Universal soon admitted that Trumbo was also the author of
showed that neither the name of Dalton Trumbo nor Howard Fast on the list of
screen credits would likely hurt box office receipts for Spartacus, they granted
him screen credit for that film as well. Both films were tremendously successful
and over the next decade, one by one, some blacklisted writers, actors and
8
directors were able to return to work without making any political recantations
None of this is likely to have happened had the Committee actually come to hold
December 1959 or even, as was rumored for a time, closed door hearings around
December 1960. A year later, around the start of 1962, Trumbo wrote a letter to
Albert Maltz celebrating the huge world-wide box office success of Spartacus and
Exodus and the several big new projects such as Hawaii that he was currently
openly working on at his old, extremely high fees and with his name guaranteed
writers, one by one, found a way through luck or circumstance to get their names
“For myself, one thing could really hurt: another ticket from the committee. I’d
stand a better than even chance of going under and probably would go under.”
9
But the political establishment had decided that the blacklist was no longer
needed as part of its campaign to keep public opinion cowed by the fear of
Communist subversion at home and abroad and consequently tolerant of the Cold
War and the perilous nuclear arms race. Rather, as Trumbo had argued years
on the high moral ground of civil liberties and representative democracy in its
ideological battle with the USSR and its efforts to maintain support for its
at the time but had suggested that the blacklist was a problem to be solved by the
industry itself without government intervention. Thus, a year and a half later
Activities Committee hearings similar to the ones that were mainly responsible for
the creation and the maintenance of the blacklist by the studios in the first place,
thus opening the way for Trumbo, Preminger, Kramer and Douglas to breach it.
10
Timeline
December 1957 - Eddie Lewis takes an option on Howard Fast’s novel RS 303-304; 306, IAS 43
January 1958 Spartacus for $100 but on the sole condition that the
12 January 1958 Dalton Trumbo signs contract with Bryna Films to Smith in CH 218-19, 235
write screenplay from the novel The Brave Cowboy. note 47; Trumbo letter to
Kirk Douglas is persuaded to try to use this small film Albert Maltz 21 January
However, Bryna Films reserves the right to shift 309-10, IAS 50-52; Cook
production.
May 1958 Fast is brought in to write the script. Fast’s treatment RS 305-6, 307-8, 310-11,
and his first 60 pages of script are found to be in need 312-13; IAS 44, 46, 49, 53,
of a great deal more work (he had never written a 58-9; Cook 270-71
in to write a new outline for Fast but his subsequent Lewis 31 May 1958 in AD
pages are still found to be below par. Without Fast’s 424-25 and notes 11-13;
11
entire Spartacus script using Eddie Lewis as his front, interview with Ceplair,
mainly because he can write well and fast enough to Session One
1 June 1958 Kirk Douglas meets with Vice President Richard Nixon Trumbo letter to Edward
convince Nixon to make a statement condemning the 424-429 and notes 12-13
Late June 1958 Howard Fast hands in the completed first draft script RS 314 ; IAS 53; Howard
for Spartacus which Douglas has already secretly Fast, “Spartacus Revisited”
rejected and later tells Fast has been “lost”. It is only pp. 3-5; Fast, written
12
“re-discovered” a year later in late May 1959 when statement to author;
the slave story part of the film runs into serious Dalton Trumbo “Last
Arthur Koestler’s novel The Gladiators are finally Spartacus” pp. 1-2, Eddie
15 July 1958 First draft screenplay of Spartacus, written by Trumbo RS 311, IAS 54, 64-67, 70;
using Eddie Lewis as his front, in part based on first 60 Cook 271; Eddie Lewis,
Universal with author listed as Eddie Lewis and Writers Guild, pp. 1, 4; Kirk
Howard Fast. The studio loves the script. With some Douglas papers register at
in the film.
September 1958 Universal green lights Spartacus after Lawrence Oliver RS 312; Eddie Lewis, UCLA
his part in the script writing charade, Eddie Lewis tells Session One; Eddie Lewis
Kirk Douglas to take his name off of the script. Over to Meroney and Coons,
the next few months Trumbo does several complete Eddie Lewis to Tom
rewrites under the pseudonym Sam Jackson. He will Benedek (1), (2); Douglas
ultimately be paid $100K by Lewis under that name papers register pg. 20,
with funds from Universal. All later versions of the Smith in CH 224, Trumbo
13
script have the name Sam Jackson as well as Eddie letter to Ingo Preminger,
27 October 1958 At October meeting of production heads and RS 315, IAS 70-71 both
December 1958 – Some time prior to late February 1959, Lewis tells Eddie Lewis UCLA
June 1959 Trumbo that he believes the secret that he is the interview with Ceplair,
Trumbo’s behest, over the next six months Lewis Cineaste review essay on
14
15 December Two weeks before Christmas, two members of the Trumbo letter to Albert
1958 American Academy of Motion Pictures board, George Maltz and Michael Wilson,
Seaton and Valentine Davies, who hope to mount a 9 January 1959 in AD 470
31 December The Defiant Ones wins the New York Film Critics NYT Jan 1,1959, Trumbo
1958 Award for best screenplay. Under threat from Pryor letter to Albert Maltz, 9
to run the story without his confirmation Young gives January 1959 in AD 470-1
15
popular Los Angeles television news commentator
meeting.
8-9 January 1959 Radio news commentator for KPOL and TV news Trumbo letter to Albert
16
blacklist, pro-studio, anti-union Motion Picture
15 January 1959 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences NYT Jan 16,1959
16 January 1959 Dalton Trumbo admits to the New York Times to NYT Jan 17,1959; Time, Jan
writing The Brave One under the name of Robert Rich, 26, 1959
27 January 1959 Shooting commences on Spartacus in Death Valley IAS 97, letter to Michael
using the 16 January 1959 Final Revised Screenplay Wilson, 24 February 1959
Jackson. Not long before, starting with director Criterion Collection DVD,
Anthony Mann and Peter Ustinov and then Lawrence Peter Ustinov
17
personal contact with Trumbo with each other on the
role as screenwriter.
24 February 1959 Trumbo writes to Michael Wilson that, because of the Trumbo letter to Michael
new, more favorable conditions within the movie Wilson, 24 February 1959
18
are now still unaware that he is the film’s author are
Week of 21 March Walter Winchell in the Daily Mirror and Mike Connelly IAS 111, 117; Smith in CH,
1959 in the Hollywood Reporter publish as facts reports 224, 236, note 70, Trumbo
that Dalton Trumbo is the real author of Spartacus. letter to Lewis, late March
His fee at this point is given as $50,000. The reports 1959 (misdated by AD
on the Universal lot who belong to the industry wide AD 534-5, 541 note 16
6 April 1959 At the Academy Awards, on stage the blacklisted IMDB “The Defiant Ones”,
19
writer Nedrick Young shares with Hal Wallace the “Nedrick Young”; Smith in
9 April 1959 In the Variety front page lead story accompanied by Smith in CH 236, nt. 73;
banner headlines, former President Harry S. Truman Var Apr 9, 1959; LAT May
denounces the blacklist in the film industry or “in 1, 1959; IAS 126-7
Early May 1959 Otto Preminger engages blacklisted writer Albert Cook 273-74; Hirsch 321-
Maltz, living in exile in Mexico City, to do a complete 22; Ceplair, DT 395, text
screenplay for Exodus after novelist Leon Uris’ work is and note 2, Albert Maltz,
more favorable climate in Hollywood for breaking the 2: 912-13; Fujiwara 257
20
write the script.
9 May 1959 Hearings are held in both houses of Congress over NYT Mar 8, May 10, 1959
21
statutes against advocacy of overthrowing the Federal
Late May 1959 In response to recent anti-blacklist statements in the NYT June 30, July 5 (2),
22
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for “rescinding its
31 May 1959 Communicating by telegram Trumbo walks off the IAS 126-127; Ceplair,
authorized rewrites by Peter Ustinov over three IAS; Eddie Lewis, UCLA
Douglas, Lewis and Kubrick. Through Lewis’ repeated Session One; Trumbo
previous urgings Douglas knows that the price of telegram to Douglas in IAS
Trumbo’s return will be for him to press Universal for 124; Dalton Trumbo, “Last
2 June 1959 Trumbo gives Eddie Lewis a signed copy of his novel Eddie Lewis UCLA
Johnny Got His Gun with an inscription thanking him interview with Ceplair,
for “risking his own name to help a man who had lost Session Four
3 June 1959 In a speech to the House of Representatives, Francis NYT June 4, 28, July 22
23
have “records of affiliation with Communist fronts
9 June 1959 In a memo Bryna controller Jeff Asher proposes to Smith in CH 224 and end
meet with famed Hollywood lawyer Leon Kaplan now note 72.
24
writers’ names eligible for screen credit for
America.
12-22 June 1959 After a weeklong unsuccessful attempt to use Cover letter for script
Studios, spends three days watching the film already statement from Howard
shot with Kubrick many times and then writes 22 new Fast to the author; Howard
slave story scenes on the studio lot. Unbeknownst to Fast, “Spartacus Revisited,”
Dalton Trumbo.
Late June 1959 Douglas promises Trumbo to tell Universal officially at IAS 126-130; Howard Fast,
the end of principal shooting except for the battle written statement to
the writer of Spartacus and to press them for screen “Spartacus Revisited” pp.
credit for him. Fast departs the studio and Trumbo 8-9 and written statement
25
book.
27 June 1959 HUAC announces it is planning to hold hearings early NYT June 28, 1959
26
29 June-early July The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) NYT June 12, 30, July 1,
27
will actually take place because of anticipated
29 June – 22 Under pressure from their anti-Legion factions, the NYT June 30, July 1, 5(2),
August 1959 studios at first prepare a strong rejection of outside Sept 3, 6, 1959
1 July 1959 Representative Walter, Chairman of HUAC, holds the NYT July 3(1), 3(2), 1959
28
Professional League tells the Committee that the
1 July 1959 At his press conference on Wednesday, 1 July 1959 NYT July 3(1), 5(1), 22,
shown.”
29
reported to have opposed attacks on the exhibit. At a
2-3 July 1959 The four man jury that selected the American art sent NYT July 3(1), 5(1), 22,
30
Many institutions and leaders in the art world also
individuals
2 July 1959 Despite the President’s public refusal to remove any NYT July 3(2), 22, 1959
31
Theodore Streibert, who adopted a policy of
25 July 1959 The art exhibit opens as part of a fair displaying many NYT June 28, July 22 1959
officiating.
During the rest of the year the Times does not report
mine)
Late July 1959 Eddie Lewis, speaking for Bryna, officially confirms to Eddie Lewis commentary
studio head Ed Muhl his own near certainty at this on Spartacus DVD; Eddie
point that Trumbo is in fact the author of Spartacus. Lewis to Tom Benedek (2);
Ostensibly speaking for himself as the film’s producer, Eddie Lewis, UCLA
he tells Muhl that Trumbo should and will get screen interview with Ceplair
credit. Trumbo later writes “to Ring Lardner Jr. that it Session One; Ceplair,
was his and Eddie Lewis’ policy ‘to keep Kirk out of Cineaste IAS review essay;
the picture’ as the man who made the [credit] NYT Feb. 22, 1960, Trumbo
32
decision because as an aactor he was far more letter to Aubrey Finn, 6
Muhl rejects Lewis’ demand for screen credit because Trumbo note to Manfull in
from him.
Late July 1959 Worried by his mid-June visit to Maltz in Mexico, in Ceplair, DT 395-6; Hirsch,
which he sees signs of massive research for Exodus 322, 327-8; NYT Jan 20,
but no completed draft script pages, without Maltz’s 1960; Preminger 168;
33
contracted Preminger project, and under constant
Trumbo is smuggled onto the studio lot on the night Reports; Dalton Trumbo:
film a second time the next night and then writes a Spartacus” scribbled down
rough set of “Notes to Myself on Spartacus” followed and then typed up after
by his mammoth single space eighty page Report on seeing the rough assembly
Spartacus over the weekend; swayed by it, Douglas a second time, dated 23
advice, to go to Spain to film the final battle, the 134-137, RS 325-6; Cook
22-26 August On 22 August B. B. Kahane, Vice President of NYT, Sept 3, 6, 1959; Smith
1959 Columbia Pictures, Vice President of the Association in CH 224-5, Trumbo letter
34
the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences September 1959 in AD
kowtows to the American Legion ‘s Americanism 490-3 and notes 18, 20;
November 1959 be shot in Spain. Kubrick spends nearly the full month Reports for November
11 November In October and early November Maltz hands in the Albert Maltz letter to
35
1959 final sections of a 280 page treatment for Exodus to Dalton Trumbo, 11
writes from exile in Mexico to Trumbo that he has CH 225, 236 note 80;
written the script for Exodus and that director Otto Fujiwara 258
Mid-November Rumors of imminent new fall hearings by the HUAC Trumbo statements to
through December committee, already reported earlier in the summer by Helen Manfull in AD 493-
1959 the New York Times as planned for the fall, begin to 4 note 21; AD 301, 541,
circulate in Hollywood. These rumors are likely being note 16; Trumbo letter to
scare off Douglas or at least prevent Universal from Trumbo letter to President
with the MPA these rumors have some credibility January 1957, AD 383-4;
employ.
Early December, Douglas probably learns from Trumbo through Lewis, Spartacus – Criterion
1959 (7 December now just back from Spain, that Preminger intends to Collection DVD; Kirk
36
– 9 December) give Albert Maltz screen credit for Exodus. Not to be Douglas voiceover
outdone and under renewed prodding from Lewis, commentary; IAS 147, RS
but also in an effort to dispel the atmosphere of fear 323; Kirk Douglas letter to
He leaves a pass for him with his real name on it at 1960 in Trumbo
community.
37
from “throwing away his career” but he persists. The
Early December Leaders of the pro-blacklist MPA such as Hedda Ceplair Cineaste review
in the press.
Early December Having arrived back from Israel in New York over the IAS 150-151; RS 323-4;
1959 (7 December weekend of 5 December, Otto Preminger learns Helen Manfull in AD 469
38
producers like himself who are covertly using
10 December Preminger makes no mention of his screenwriter for Dalton Trumbo, letter to
1959 – 14 January Exodus at his wide ranging Exodus news conference Ingo Preminger, 2 January
1960 on 8 December covering the film’s cast, crew and 1960 and statement to
fires Albert Maltz, whose just submitted 400 page 30, note 2; Hirsch 324;
draft script is much too long and dramatically Cook 274-75; Ceplair DT
unsatisfactory, and tells Trumbo to start working full 396, 400; Preminger 167-
22 December The Writers Guild of America is preparing to to fight NYT Dec 22, 1959
39
admitting that it ever existed, thereby protecting the
Later December With Trumbo‘ receipt of free access to the Universal Trumbo statement to
1959 lot from Douglas, which goes unreported in the press, Helen Manfull AD 493-4
Muhl no longer feels the need to keep his own note 21; Trumbo letter to
contacts with him secret. At Muhl’s request, Trumbo Ingo Preminger, 17 January
meets with him and Eddie Lewis together in his office 1960 in Trumbo
on the studio lot for the first time to discuss what he correspondence
avail.
January 1960 The rumors about the return of the Committee, Trumbo statements to
though probably well founded, prove false. HUAC fails Helen Manfull in AD 493-
to appear. The planned late fall Committee Hollywood 4 note 21; Ceplair
40
Executive Branch officials in Washington, probably in IAS ; Cook 274-75;
41
got the blame, signaling to him that he still intended
January 1960 Probably referring to the repercussions of Douglas’ Trumbo letter to Ingo
stars, producers and directors ”in their offices [on the letter to A. C. Spectorsky,
Universal Studios lot] and in mine” the Screen Writers 17 January 1960 in AD 532-
42
freedom, truth, and virtue.” Trumbo clearly believes
19 January 1960 On Sunday 17 January 1960 Otto Preminger returns Preminger 118; Cook
from London to New York and the next day he meets 275; Ceplair DT 404-5;
for lunch at the St. Regis Hotel where he is staying Fujiwara 260-1; Hirsch
with Arthur Krim and Robert Benjamin, president and 327-8; NYT Jan 20, 1960;
chairman of the board of United Artists. He tells them Var Jan 27, 1960
overlong first draft script for the film which was the
43
Preminger asserts that although he is not an
20 January 1960 The next day there is a “no comment” from Universal NYT Jan 21, 1960
25 January 1960 Rep. Francis E. Walter (D) Chairman of the House Un- NYT Jan 26, 1960
44
American Activities Committee tells the National
February 1960 Many in Hollywood applaud Preminger’s action as a Smith in CH 226; Var Jan
principled stand against the blacklist. But Variety 27, 1960; Hirsch 327-8;
reports that others see it as just another example of NYDN Feb 5, 1960; NYHT
bigger box office. In fact by April Exodus will break all 406, HR Jan 20, 1960
45
radio and television.
7 February 1960 Also under attack by the American Legion, director NYT Feb 8, 1960
9 February 1960 Producer Stanley Kramer is rebuked for a second time NYT Feb 10, 11, 1960
46
Preminger for hiring as a screenwriter Dalton Trumbo,
of writers to work.”
47
14 February 1960 Highly influential New York Times film critic Bosley NYT Feb 14, 1960
prevailed.”
14 February 1960 The taped debate between Stanley Kramer and NYT Feb 15, 1960
48
made to abolish it. He rests his argument on the
49
who disagree with his or Mr. McKneally’s viewpoint
conscience.”
15 February 1960 The American Veterans Committee (AVC) and the NYT Feb 16, 1960
50
position you have taken in resisting the mob pressure
concept of justice.”
51
picture industry__ that the Constitution and the Bill of
17 February 1960 Harry Brandt of the Independent Theater Owners Smith in CH 226, 236 note
Association publicly supports Kramer and Preminger. 87; IFJ, Feb 17, 1960
production. “
21 February 1960 Rejuvenated by these blows against the blacklist and NYT, Feb 22, 1960
52
do so first, un-named highly placed sources inside
the picture.
22 February 1960 Responding to the Times article of the day before, NYT and NYP Feb 23, 1960
20 March 1960 Frank Sinatra announces to the press that he has NYT Mar 21, 1960; Cook
53
hired blacklisted writer Albert Maltz to write the 279-80; IAS 152-3; Smith
months before.
30 March 1960 Trumbo is reinstated as a member of Screen Writers Smith in CH 228; NYT Mar
Guild of America after paying back dues covering the 31, 1960
8 April 1960 After coming under intense attack by the American NYT April 9, 1960; Cook
Legion and the right wing press, answered by his own 279-80; IAS 154-5; Smith
ads in Variety, Sinatra finally gives in, probably at the in CH 237 note 91
subsequently cancelled.
2 May 1960 In a speech to the national convention of the Motion NYT May 3, 1960
54
the Wind and of his forthcoming film My Glorious
30 May 1960 The New York Times reports that it has learned that NYT May 31, 1960
55
minute rewrites during production. (The picture will
56
Three of the companies who signed the agreement
July 1960 Sindlinger Poll commissioned by Ed Muhl at Trumbo’s Sindlinger Poll, July 1960;
Howard Fast’s name on screen will damage Spartacus Muhl interview with the
box office and may well help it. As a result Muhl author, December 1993;
changes his mind and throws his support within NYT Aug 8, 1960
Late July, 1960 Screen Writers Guild of America rules that only Dalton NYT Aug 8, 1960; Smith in
Trumbo can receive screen credit for Spartacus. CH 228, 237 note 95
5 August 1960 Universal and Bryna decide to give Trumbo sole NYT Aug 8, 1960; NYP Aug
They announce to the press late that week that 237 note 96
5 Sept 1960 Over the last year, many producers who are opposed NYT Sept 5, 11,1960
57
that they write a letter in which they say that they are
58
because he has written a note saying he is not now a
Late September As opening night draws near Trumbo is again Trumbo statement to
59
falsely claims to Muhl that it has obtained a signed note 21
American Legion.
6 October 1960 Spartacus opens at the DeMille Theater in New York NYT Oct 7, 1960; NYP Oct
on 6 October 1960 to widely mixed reviews including 7, 1960; Var Oct 7, 12,
flat pan by New York Times critic Bosley Crowther and 1960; RS 332; IAS 158;
rave review by Archer Winston in the New York Post. Margulies, See chapters
Right wing gossip columnist Hedda Hopper tells her titled “Portrait of a
readers “the story was sold to Universal from a book Production,” ”On the
written by a Commie and the screen script was Other Side of the Camera,”
60
the-camera creative team are shown in photographs
12 October 1960 Inherit the Wind, written in part by blacklisted NYT Oct 13, 1960
credit.
14 October 1960 New York Times reports that the major studios as well NYT Sept 11, Oct 14, 1960;
as United Artists and the American Legion seem Trumbo letter to Robert
writers on several films such as Spartacus and Exodus 1960 in AD 538; letter to
written by Dalton Trumbo, Inherit the Wind written Alvah Bessie, 3 January
61
opening in New York City. There may be picketing of
from 17 to 20 October.
62
because of Trumbo’s authorship and Universal
the convention.
4 November 1960 Representative Francis E. Walter, chairman of HUAC NYT Nov 5, 1960
15 December Exodus opens in New York to mixed reviews. New NYT Dec 16, 1960; Var Dec
1960 York audiences cheer when Trumbo’s name appears 31, 1960; “Preminger
63
convince theater owners not to show the film.
Israel.”
64
together. Blacklisted writer Albert Maltz’s extensive
December 1960 Spartacus and Exodus are continuously picketed by NYT Dec 22, 1960; Trumbo
The American Legion and other right wing groups in Wire to Michael Wilson, 9
half a dozen cities. Spartacus is under postal and press December 1960, AD 536;
cancellations by Jewish groups. Rumors of new post- note 21, IAS 159
absolute.”
65
Committee once again fails to appear, perhaps as the
28 December Exodus number one and Spartacus number two in Trumbo letter to Alvah
1960 Variety national box office survey for 28 December Bessie, 3 January 1961 AD
29 December Using the anti-trust laws to charge a conspiracy to NYT Dec 30, 1960; Trumbo
1960 restrain commerce, twelve blacklisted writers and letter to Michael Wilson,
actors including four of the original Hollywood Ten 20 March 1958 AD 415-
and three Academy Award winners file suit against 417; letter to Alvah Bessie
save for United Artists and four allied film distribution NYT June 13, 1961; Jan
66
associations. They seek an injunction against the June 2, 1965
67
political beliefs or affiliations during pre-trial
3 February 1961 Newly inaugurated President John Kennedy leaves the NYT, Feb 5, 1961, RS 334,
White House to attend a public screening of Spartacus IAS 161-165; Cook 277-
17 February 1961 Screen Writers Guild of America nominates Dalton NYT Feb 17, 1961
February-April Spartacus nominated for six academy awards and NYT, Feb 28, 1961; Mar 17,
1961 Exodus for three. Thanks to the efforts of John Wayne 1961; Apr 17, 1961;
68
and other right wing Hollywood personalities from
8 June 1961 Kirk Douglas breaks his silence and publicly defends NYT June 9, 1961,
4 October 1961 Director Fred Zinnemann hires Trumbo to write the NYT Oct 5, 1961; AD 556
69
He threatens legal action against Variety and issues a
16 October 1961 Mass rally of right wing film industry people, probably NYT Oct 16, 1961
End of 1961 or Spartacus earns $19 million thus far while costing $12 Trumbo letter to Albert
early 1962 million and Exodus earns $14 million while costing Maltz, no date, AD 556-
$3.5 million. Trumbo’s name on screen doesn’t hurt 558; letter to Alvah Bessie,
box office of either film. They are the top box office 3 January 1961 AD 540
hearings again.
70
won in breaching the blacklist, Trumbo paints the
presciently, he writes:
71
government against which their revolution is aimed is
1962 - 1973 Trumbo continues to work in the open, penning the Trumbo letter to Albert
scripts for Montezuma (unproduced at the time Maltz, no date (late 1961
(1961) but now finally green lighted by Steven or early 1962), AD 556-
Spielberg), Lonely Are the Brave (1962), The Sandpiper 558; Trumbo letter to
(1965), Hawaii (1966), The Fixer (1968), The Horsemen Alvah Bessie, 3 January
Executive Action (1973), and finally writing and Trumbo, notes to Helen
appearing in the film Papillon (1973). He also writes, Manfull and her
directs and appears as orator in Johnny Got His Gun comments, AD 525- 526;
72
Reference Abbreviations
CCAM– The Catholic Crusade Against the Movies: 1940-1975, by Gregory D. Black,
Ceplair Cineaste review essay on IAS – Cineaste (Winter 2012) Vol. XXXVIII No. 1,
pp. 11-13, “Kirk Douglas, Spartacus, and the Blacklist” by Larry Ceplair
Cook – Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Cook, Charles Scribners and Sons, New York, 1977
Eddie Lewis to Tom Benedek (1) – The Wrap, 15 June 2012, “Kirk Douglas
Eddie Lewis to Tom Benedek(2) – Los Angeles Review of Books, 8 November 2012
Eddie Lewis UCLA interview with Ceplair – UCLA Center for Oral History, Edward
Eddie Lewis cover memo to Screen Writers Guild - Cover memo of Spartacus
Fujiwara – The World and Its Double: The Life and Work of Otto Preminger,
Hirsch – Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King by Foster Hirsch, Alfred A.
74
IFJ Feb 17, 1960 – Independent Film Journal, 17 February 1960, “A Member
LAT May 1, 1959 – Los Angeles Times, 1 May 1959, “Truman Again Rips House
Committee”
NYDN Feb 5, 1960 – New York Daily News, 5 February 1960, editorial
NYP Feb 23, 1960 – New York Post, 23 February 1960, “Trumbo Should Get
NYP Aug 8, 1960 – New York Post, 8 August 1960, “Trumbo Gets ‘Spartacus’ Film
Credit”
NYP Oct 7, 1960 – New York Post, 7 October 1960, Rave Review of Spartacus
by Archer Winston
75
NYT Jan 1, 1959 – New York Times, 1 January 1959, “Coast Scenarist Reveals
NYT Jan 16, 1959 – New York Times, 16 January 1959, “Academy Rescinds Ruling
NYT Jan 17, 1959 – New York Times, 17 January 1959, “Robert Rich Identified:
Murray Schumach
NYT Mar 8, 1959 – New York Times, 8 March 1959,”House Unit Gives Warning on
NYT May 10, 1959 – New York Times, 10 May 1959,”Nation Weighs Security
Lewis
NYT June 4, 1959 – New York Times, 4 June 1959,” Walter Says U.S.I.A Chose Red
Artists”
76
NYT June 12, 1959 – New York Times, 12 June 1959,”California Inquiry Off:
NYT June 28, 1959 – New York Times, 28 June 1959,”House Unit Sets Hearings on
NYT June 30, 1959 – New York Times, 30 June 1959,”Film Aide Denies Charge on
NYT July 1, 1959 – New York Times, 1 July 1959,”Warner Attacks Charge on Reds:
NYT July 3(1), 1959 – New York Times, 3 July 1959, “President Hailed In Dispute
NYT July 3 (2), 1959 – New York Times, 3 July 1959, “Committee Continues Fight”
NYT July 5(1), 1959– New York Times, 5 July 1959, “The Nation: On U.S. Show”
77
NYT July 5(2), 1959– New York Times, 5 July 1959, “Hollywood Protests: Film
NYT July 22, 1959 – New York Times, 22 July 1959, “Moscow Fair Art To Be Seen
NYT Sept 3, 1959 – New York Times, 3 September 1959, “Attacks by Legion
NYT Sept 6, 1959 – New York Times, September 6, 1959, “Hollywood Blues:
by Murray Schumach
NYT Dec 9, 1959 – New York Times, 9 December 1959, “Preminger Tells of
by Howard Thompson
78
NYT Dec 22, 1959 – New York Times, 22 December 1959, “Writers to Fight Coast
NYT Jan 20, 1960 – New York Times, 20 January 1960,”Movie Maker Hires
NYT Jan 21, 1960 – New York Times, 21 January 1960, “Studios Unmoved by
NYT Jan 26, 1960 – New York Times, 26 January 1960, “Walter Finds Many Blind to
Red Threat”
NYT Feb 8, 1960 – New York Times, 8 February 1960, “Kramer Defying American
NYT Feb 10, 1960 – New York Times, 10 February 1960, “Kramer Is Rebuked By
NYT Feb 11, 1960 – New York Times, 11 February 1960, “TV Debate Listed On
79
NYT Feb 14, 1960 – New York Times, 14 February 1960, “Hitting the Blacklist:
NYT Feb 15, 1960 – New York Times, 15 February 1960, “Kramer Debates With
NYT Feb 16, 1960 – New York Times, 16 February 1960, “A.V.C. Hits Legion In Film
NYT Feb 22, 1960 – New York Times, 22 February 1960, “U-I Is Pondering Credit
NYT Feb 23, 1960 – New York Times, 23 February 1960, “Credit to Trumbo
Disputed by Fast”
NYT Mar 21, 1960 – New York Times, 21 March 1960, “Sinatra Defying Writer
80
NYT Mar 31, 1960 – New York Times, 31 March 1960, “Trumbo Is Reinstated:
NYT April 9, 1960– New York Times, 9 April 1960, “Sinatra Dismisses Blacklisted
NYT May 3, 1960 – New York Times, 3 May 1960, “Kramer To Fight Legion
NYT May 31, 1960 – New York Times, 31 May 1960, “Trumbo Is Author of New U-I
NYT Aug 8, 1960 – New York Times, 8 August 1960, “Trumbo Will Get Credit For
NYT Sept 5, 1960 – New York Times, 5 September 1960, “Film Blacklist Being
81
NYT Sept 11, 1960 – New York Times, 11 September 1960, “Hollywood Test: Hiring
by Murray Schumach
NYT Oct 7, 1960 – New York Times, 7 October 1960, “Screen: ‘Spartacus’ Enters
Bosley Crowther
NYT Oct 13, 1960 – New York Times, 13 October 1960, “Inherit The Wind,” by
Bosley Crowther
NYT Oct 14, 1960 – New York Times, 14 October 1960, “Hollywood Eyes Legion
NYT Nov 5, 1960 – New York Times, 5 November 1960,”Walter Hits Nixon on U.S.
Subversion”
NYT Dec 16, 1960 – New York Times, 16 December 1960, “Screen: A Long
NYT Dec 22, 1960 – New York Times, 22 December 1960, “Exodus Is Picketed By
American Legion”
82
NYT Dec 30, 1960 – New York Times, 30 December 1960, “12 In Hollywood Sue on
NYT Feb 5, 1961– New York Times, 5 February 1961, “Kennedy Attends Movie in
Cabinet Official”
NYT Feb 17, 1961 – New York Times, 17 February 1961, “Trumbo In Line For
Award”
NYT Feb 28, 1961 – New York Times, 28 February 1961,”Film Group Lists Oscar
NYT Mar 17, 1961 – New York Times, 16 March 1961,”Lollobrigida Honored:
NYT April 18, 1961 – New York Times, 18 April 1961,”Elizabeth Taylor and
83
NYT June 9, 1961– New York Times, 9 June 1961, “Trumbo Backed by Kirk
Murray Schumach
NYT June 13, 1961– New York Times, 9 June 1961, “12 Lose Legal Plea in
Hollywood Case”
NYT Oct 4, 1961 – New York Times, 4 October 1961, “From Hollywood”
NYT Oct 16, 1961– New York Times, 16 October 1961, “Coast Film Rally Against
by Murray Schumach
NYT Jan 19, 1962– New York Times, 19 Jan 1962, “Film Group Loses ‘Blacklisting
Plea”
NYT June 19, 1962– New York Times, 19 June 1962, “High Court Rebuffs
Hollywood Writers”
NYT June 2, 1965 – New York Times, 2 June 1965, “Blacklisting Suit Ended By
Payment”
84
RS – The Ragman’s Son, by Kirk Douglas, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1988
Ryan – Otto Preminger Films Exodus (movie souvenir book) by Tom Ryan,
1999
Time Jan 26, 1959 – Time Magazine, 26 January 1959, “Hollywood: Blacklist
Fadeout”
Var Apr 9, 1959 – Variety, 9 April 1959, “Harry Truman Blasts Hollywood
Blacklist” pg. 1
Var Jan 27, 1960 – Variety, 27 January 1960, “Preminger’s Private Hornet:
Var Oct 6, 1960 – Variety, 6 October 1960, “Spartacus: Big Roman Spectacle.
85
Var Oct 12, 1960 – Variety, 12 October 1960, “Universal Chokes on Crowther
86