When Hollywood Was Right

Long gone are the days when Hollywood was merely a source of entertainment. It was a place of dreams, where stars were born and legends were made. But have you ever wondered about the politics behind the glitz and glamour? In this article, we take you on a captivating journey through the history of Hollywood, focusing on a time when its political landscape tilted towards the right.

The Birth of an Era

In the 1940s and 1950s, Hollywood was dominated by a wave of conservatism. The fear of communism, sparked by the Cold War, greatly influenced the politics of the entertainment industry. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) relentlessly hunted suspected communists, and Hollywood was not exempt from their investigations.

With prominent figures like Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, and Walt Disney donning conservative values, the industry witnessed a shift towards right-wing ideologies. This shift impacted not only the movies being produced but also the careers and personal lives of those involved.

When Hollywood Was Right: How Movie Stars, Studio Moguls, and Big Business Remade American Politics

by Donald T. Critchlow (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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Political Movements in Tinseltown

As the Red Scare loomed large, Hollywood became a hotbed of political activity. Organizations such as the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals (MPA), founded by Walt Disney and John Wayne, gained significant influence. The MPA aimed to counter what they perceived as communist influences in the industry.

This right-wing movement sought to promote a conservative agenda through the stories told on the silver screen. Films during this era increasingly portrayed patriotic and anti-communist narratives. One notable example is "The Red Menace" (1949), a film that depicted the infiltration of communist agents into American society.

Additionally, the McCarthy era witnessed a number of Hollywood personalities being blacklisted due to their alleged communist sympathies. These blacklisted actors, directors, and writers faced severe career setbacks and personal strife.

Ronald Reagan: From Hollywood to the White House

One of the most prominent figures in Hollywood during this period was Ronald Reagan. Before becoming the 40th President of the United States, Reagan was a well-known actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Reagan's political journey from Hollywood to the White House was intertwined with the rise of conservatism in the industry.

Reagan's conservative ideals found a platform in his fervent speeches condemning communism and liberalism. This resonated with a large portion of the population, leading to his successful transition into politics. Reagan's stint in Hollywood proved to be a stepping stone that propelled him towards the presidency.

The Legacy of an Era

The influence of the right-wing movement in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s has undoubtedly left a lasting impact. The political climate of the time shaped the movies that were made, the stars that rose to fame, and the careers that were tragically cut short.

While Hollywood today is largely known for its liberal leanings, it is important to acknowledge its complex history. The era when Hollywood was right serves as a reminder of the power of ideology and politics in the entertainment industry.

In

When Hollywood was right, it represented a time of conservative values and efforts to combat communism. With the rise of organizations like the MPA and influential figures like Ronald Reagan, the industry saw a significant shift towards right-wing ideologies. This era in Hollywood's history left an indelible mark on the silver screen, forever shaping the narratives and politics of the entertainment industry.

Let us not forget the glamour and allure of old Hollywood, but let us also remember the complexities and political controversies that simmered beneath the surface. Understanding the history of Hollywood's political landscape allows us to appreciate its evolution, both on and off the screen.

When Hollywood Was Right: How Movie Stars, Studio Moguls, and Big Business Remade American Politics

by Donald T. Critchlow (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5175 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages

FREE

Hollywood was not always a bastion of liberalism. Following World War II, an informal alliance of movie stars, studio moguls and Southern California business interests formed to revitalize a factionalized Republican Party. Coming together were stars such as John Wayne, Robert Taylor, George Murphy and many others, who joined studio heads Cecil B. DeMille, Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Jack Warner to rebuild the Republican Party. They found support among a large group of business leaders who poured money and skills into this effort, which paid off with the election of George Murphy to the US Senate and of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan to the highest office in the nation. This is an exciting story based on extensive new research that will forever change how we think of Hollywood politics.