Kevin T 274 [fine, sentences could be a bit crisper in sports…minor items as noted: 3­] This is the first time I have seen this film, and at first it looked like a bad, low‐budget documentary that wouldn’t be very interesting. It started to express multiple themes of courageous and inspiring acts that Herbert Biberman, who was Jewish and a part of the American Communist party, had to go through during the time where the Federal Government was investigating people who had Communist beliefs. The Federal Government didn’t want Communist ideas to be spread through the media, so they blacklisted any affiliates and made them experience unbelievable restrictions. His beliefs were the reason he had to suffer, and it defies what America stands for. Because of this prejudice, he was jailed and lost his reputation, job, and any chance of working in the industry he belonged to. One part of the film that caught my mind [I think you mean “eye”] was when Herbert Biberman referenced the Constitution against the investigation against him. This shows that he stands for America, just like[a slight preference for “as” rather than “likek’] the FBI is supposed to. By not allowing him to express himself freely, the federal government violated his constitutional rights. Similar instances show up all through our country’s history, and it seems like [try “as if”] we need to have someone to oppress at all times. Whether it’s for religious or political beliefs, there isn’t enough understanding and open‐mindedness in our society and government. The actions taken by Biberman to stand up against this oppression were both courageous and admirable. Near the end of the film Herbert says “ 8000 feet of freedom.” This film was created with courage that articulates courage for others who experienced the same and to fight for what they believe in. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ryan M 314 [fine, a few minor items as noted, otherwise thoughtful comment:3]
In the 1950’s there was a massive paranoia of [regarding]the spread of
Communism in America. There was so much fear of a Communist takeover that a sort of
witch hunt began to take place in an attempt to find all of the American Communists.
How the FBI the handled the situation with Biberman and his wife was an example of a
vast overreaction of the American government. The fear of Communist ideas being
spread was what led Biberman to be blacklisted from Hollywood. The thought of
Biberman’s social power through Hollywood films and spreading his so called
Communist views throughout America alarmed the government. The banishing of
Biberman from Hollywood[comma] and attempting to stop any films from being made
with any “Commies” involved was the government’s effort to “defend democracy.” This
attempt to eliminate all “reds” in Hollywood was an example of how the American
government tends to act quickly [comma]and not necessarily in the best way when it
feels threatened.
Another example of the American government taking swift and extreme action
when it felt vulnerable was when they sent all Japanese-Americans to relocation camps
during WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor President Franklin Roosevelt
[comma]under the executive order 9066[comma] interned over 110,000 Japanese
1
Americans. Although this act was later repealed and apologized for, this action of
persecuting a group of people was unjust and affected many lives.
The United States government may have learned from their past experiences with
how the attacks of September 11, 2001 were handled. Although a little paranoia may
have been somewhat unavoidable, the American government did not persecute people of
Middle Eastern descent in America the way that they had done to other groups in the
past. Although each and every case is different, will we ever see the government take
quick and extreme action toward a specific group of people during a time of crisis again?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Catlin W 336 [a bit mixed, mostly very good, with a couple of issues as noted{ 3-]
One of the Hollywood Ten is an interesting film that gives viewers a translucent depiction of the
reality of discrepancy between two very contrasting times.[nice!!] The simultaneous trials of the
miners in New Mexico versus the directors and actors in Hollywood are brought together
symbolically in order to conquer the vicious cycle.
In the movie, One of the Hollywood Ten, Biberman is a successful director who has been
blacklisted for being a Communist in prior years. As a result, he is being threatened to succumb
to the orders of the government, in exchange for a return to an unharmed lifestyle. [weak clause
at the end…reverse,] However, Biberman’s conviction is displayed throughout the whole movie
film as he expresses without hesitation his Constitutional rights insisting they be protected. I feel
the government’s stance on trying to protect universal well-being is underestimated, creating
double standards. The movie portrays at what lengths the government will impose restrictions to
show their power in hopes of obtaining “justice”. [period inside quotes]Unfortunately, their
actions become harmful and are returned void. Furthermore, the American government thinks
they are protecting their people from the corruption and spread from other countries, when the
truth they are desperately shielding away is being brutally uncovered.[slightly awkward sentence]
Biberman proves to be a significant example of not giving up on his deep rooted beliefs and
suffering the consequences inflicted upon him. After serving time in jail, he is given the
opportunity to direct the movie, Salt of the Earth. Consequently, while casting and working with
the real miners instead of actors, their struggles were more closely related than Biberman could
have imagined. He was directing a movie where many of the miners were telling moving stories
of their lives. The emotion, the feeling, the violence in midst of the movie solidified the reality
that remained to bring the two worlds together. [nice]The movie was an outlet for Biberman to
help express his freedom by showing another world—pointing a spot light on the flaws and
shields government had misled leading to his future, and the future of others.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lisa F 296 [very minor issues as noted, otherwise well done with thoughtful discussion; 3+]
In the beginning of One of the Hollywood Ten, the audience can easily see that the “Hollywood
Ten” were well established individuals in the industry. But as the film progresses, we find that the
government labels them as “Commies in Hollywood” and blacklists them in order to end their
careers. The representation of the government in this movie is as negative as it could get and
2
completely contradicting. The government wanted to “protect” its citizens by banning movies
filled with truth because of the potentially negative depiction of the United States.
Throughout the film, we see that the government resolves [resorts]to ruthless attempts to get rid
of the ten. The initial attempt was during the Congressional hearing where Herbert was not
allowed to give his statement, and we see that freedom of speech is apparently no longer existent.
Other instances include when the FBI violates privacy by plotting a device in Herbert and Gale’s
home, imprisonment of citizens for illegitimate reasons, the FBI bribing Eddie to expose names,
and several other occasions.
In the film and obviously in reality, the government is suppose to protect the rights of its citizens,
but all throughout the film, [no comma]these rights that each American is “granted” is
[are]dishonored. Which in the end makes the audience think about how much freedom do we
really have? [not a sentence, but ok from time to time]
When Herbert agreed to produce Salt of the Earth in New Mexico, aside from desperately longing
to be back in the filmmaking business, he wanted to show the world the struggles of mine
workers who yearned for justice and freedom [comma]just as he was fighting for his freedom of
speech.
Overall, as harsh as it may sound, I think this movie is an accurate portrayal of how deceptive
and aggressive people can be, including the government.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vidya K 324 [lots of issues with writing as indicated: 2-]
One of the Hollywood Ten is a film directed by Karl Francis detailing
Herbert Biberman—actor’s, struggles to make the independant [sp]movie,
Salt of the Earth, after being blacklisted as a member of the
Communist Party.[awkward sentence] This movie shines a light on the judging public and
the Government’s response as Biberman and his wife become known as a
threat. [two thoughts here] The American Government’s excessive response to this uprising
slowly bring[s] about the demise of the Biberman and his wife in the film
industry.
One ordeal underlining the unjust American workforce was the inclusion
of the actress Rosaura Revueltas as a character in Biberman’s film.
Revueltas was deported after being convicted as an illegal during
production of Salt of the Earth. Revueltas’ deportation charges were
false and were only useful as a way of preventing Biberman’s film to
continue production. [the film doesn’t “continue productoin,” Biberman is stopped] The
Government’s disregard of all social boundaries are revealed through the low actions they take to
regain civility. The need for a calm and safe workplace (without Communism,
of course) evokes these types of measures—even today.
Occurrences such as false charges for deportation would cause large
Uproars[a bit awkward] in today’s society. However, this is not to say they do not
occur. One of the Hollywood Ten shows the FBI stealing tapes from
Biberman’s film and Hollywood denying all requests for support with
production. Nobody wanted to end up on the blacklist as well, or be
associated with it in any way. Any chance of feeling like an outsider
3
was left in the dust and ignored rather than analyzed and solved. This
is the problem that the American workforce has to this day: an
uninterest [lack of interest] in promoting equality and a need for stability—whether just
or not.
Karl Francis’s One of the Hollywood Ten does a great job of
highlighting the general ignorance of the American public. The film
serves as a reminder than these unequal circumstances[vague]occur all the
time, whether they concern Communism or not.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arun V 312 [very thoughtful comments, with writing issues as noted, mostly minor: 3]
One of the Hollywood Ten is a biographical film, telling the story of how Hollywood director
Herbert Biberman was blacklisted for his involvement with the American Communist Party
during the time following World War 2 and leading up to the Cold War. I had heard of the
entertainment industry blacklist of the 1950s but my knowledge of the subject was limited so [I
like “thus” way more than “so”]watching this movie made an impression and sparked an interest
in the time period.
Jeff Goldblum portrayed a calm-mannered Hibbert [Herbert?}with an unshakable
commitment to his ideals. This commitment went so far as to effectively dismantle the
mainstream careers of both himself and his wife and even recast his wife's role in their
independently-backed film, Salt of the Earth, in order to remain faithful to it's spirit.[start the
sentence with the last clause…the weaker part of the sentence] Hibbert seems to be redeemed
in the end however as Gale comes to understand his decisions and remains supportive of his
causes. The antagonist to Goldblum's idealistic hero is the menacing government agent Riffkand
[comma]who leads the crusade against Hibbert [comma]and whose efforts culminate in bribing
vigilantes to attack the Salt of the Earth set and interrupt its filming.
Though Hibbert's staunchness worked well with the form of the story, his lack of
vulnerability almost made it seem like [as if, is better] his blacklisting did not take a serious toll
on him [comma]and I feel there wasn't enough in the movie to fully show or explain where the
strength of his ideals came from. Riffkand's inhumanity likewise [similarly] provided no clues
towards the government's true motivations or understanding of his actions [comma]and made me
want to [did you or didn’t you?]doubt the accuracy of what went on in the film. These were
some of the film's weaker points as I saw them, but they did not take away significantly from the
story and also inspire a deeper, historical examination of the blacklistings of the 1950s, which is
perhaps the intended result.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dzintars G 298 [very nice commentary, minor items as note: 3+]
One of the Hollywood Ten recaps the events in post-World War II Hollywood for
members of the American Communist Party, notably screenwriter/director Herbert Bieberman
and actress Gale Sondergaard. Although the film opens with Sondergaard’s Oscar acceptance
speech that includes the announcement of the new “Hollywood Anti-Nazi League,” she and
Bieberman are outcasted [a bit awkward, cast out of]from the community due to their affiliation
with the American Communist Party. The film continued to chronicle the actions taken by
government officials during the growing “Red Scare” to punish those in the Communist Party,
and later block the production of Bieberman’s film Salt of the Earth.
4
I felt that film dramatically highlighted the irony in the government’s actions throughout
this time period. Although we in America highly value our right to free speech, that right was
implicitly taken away from any Communist supporter in the mid-20th Century. With little
evidence to support illegal activities, investigators for the FBI placed listening devices in party
members’ homes, and jail time was warranted just being a member of a shunned political group.
One scene that I felt highlighted the irony of the times best came during the filming of Salt of the
Earth: a Hollywood anti-communist argued that the film should not be produced because it would
depict America as “racial haters.” So it was shunned upon to seem [for seeming] racist, but okay
to persecute people based on political views?
Our most basic rights are protected by our Constitution, and we take pride in that all
people share these rights equally (theoretically). Although we may have severe distaste for such a
group, these rights extend to the Ku Klux Klan’s right to assemble and write/speak about their
beliefs. I find it to be a real shame that a pandemic-like fear was, and is ever, reason enough to
strip away people’s rights.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ivy C 316 [ok as a “stream of consciouness, but missing any structure, aka paragraphs. Other
minor items as note…..thoughts fine: 2+]
The film One of the Hollywood Ten demonstrated the frustration struggled [suffered] by ten
Hollywood filmmakers, primarily Herbert Biberman being discriminated against for their ties
with the American Communist Party.[very abrupt switch from ten to one] The contradictions of
how the U.S. government intervened with Hollywood directors and blacklisting filmmakers based
off their beliefs go against the concepts and ideals of diversity and freedom of speech the United
States is meant to represent. I also found it interesting [that] a film focusing on American history
was created in Spain and Britain, but I find it was necessary in order to accurately depict and
show a different side to the United States government. America’s government shows they are no
better than Nazis or Communists at being stubborn with sticking to their personal beliefs and
denying acceptance against their views. The film shows how human nature can overpower
someone’s common sense and the ability to think rationally. The inability to coexist, live in peace
with multiple beliefs and cultures is the cause of war and instability. The animal hidden within
each person comes out and leads to corrupt and immoral decisions. Given [that] the film is based
off a true story, I was shocked to see the FBI agent hiding a microphone in Herbert Biberman and
his wife Gale Sondergaard’s house to eavesdrop and spy. This is similar to the Patriot Act present
in our current day society, invading the privacy of our communication, financial and medical
documents [comma]with the motive to prevent terrorism. This case would label the American
Communist Party as terrorists. These unethical ways provided to the U.S. government is [are]still
active in our everyday lives. During the filming of Salt of the Earth, I was also shocked [that] the
FBI agents acted in a way to deport Esperanza Quintero for her passport not being stamped.
Many scenarios portrayed in One of the Hollywood Ten remind me of pressing situations still
currently going on today.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5
Minh P 274 [very minor issues, otherwise, a very nice focused and thoughtful discussion;3+]
One of the Hollywood Ten was an interesting film to watch for the first week. The film
shows paranoia during the Cold War manifesting into prejudices against directors and actors in
Hollywood during the 1950s. It was interesting to see how easy it was for these American citizens
to be placed under such scrutiny because of surrounding world events. It was also concerning to
see how easy it was for the government to issue a subpoena back in the 50s. The directors and
actors were given subpoenas for having, or allegedly having, been involved with the American
Communist Party. Being blacklisted lead [led]to a descent in the eyes of the American people for
these directors and actors.
It was also interesting to see the struggle of these people alongside the struggle of the
miners in New Mexico. Both struggles were very parallel; the actors and directors were
ostracized for their beliefs, their livelihood was taken away, and they were easily replaced in the
industry they were in. Similarly in New Mexico, the miners went on strike because of they
believed that they should be paid equally for the intense labor they provided. In response to their
discontent, their livelihood was stripped away, and they were replaced.
Both groups, respectively, faced a labor war that was created because of discrimination
due to the politics of the time. The actors and directors faced discrimination for their being, or
allegedly being, a part of the American Communist Society [comma]and the miners of New
Mexico faced wage discrimination. It was exciting to see that by working with each other both
groups were able to fight against the discrimination.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David F 312 [excellent in every respect, content and writing: 3+++]
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits making a law that infringes
upon the right of freedom of speech. Americans take pride in the ideal of this constitutional right,
but in reality it is often minimized and taken for granted by the government and citizens. To
many people, America is a symbol of freedom, but while we fight against injustice overseas, we
create are own injustices at home. Japanese internment, communist blacklisting, and the Patriot
Act are classic historical examples of times when, in the name of national security, the United
States has limited freedom while claiming to protect it. [fine intro]
One in the Hollywood Ten is a movie about how the FBI and the House of Un-American
Actives Committee (HUAC) blacklisted and imprisoned 10 major Hollywood directors and
writers at the height of the Red Scare. The U.S. government overstepped the limitations of the
constitution, claiming to defend the nation against communists in America. While there were
communists in America at this time, they were mostly pacifists and idealist. The Hollywood
directors were not enemies of the state [comma]and only wished to speak out against fascism,
forming the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League. The government tried to thwart such “radical”
behavior, and in doing so embodied the same fascist tendencies the group was against.
The real enemy of the government was freedom of speech. At a time of war a nation
seeks solidarity. Creating an enemy at home invokes fear and fervor amongst the people. This
perceived enemy generates support of the government’s anti-communistic policies and quiets the
dissenters for fear of slanderous accusations. In the case of the Hollywood 10, they were made
scapegoats for the fear driven anti-communist Americans to hate and all others to fear to become.
Although communist fears have faded since, it would be foolish to believe subjugation to similar
fear evoking policies does not exist today.
6
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Skye M 268 [just a bit brief, but otherwise very fine thoughtful and well written
commentary; 3+
I was quite surprised by the film[comma] One of the Hollywood Ten. A film that started
off a bit slow became quite a jaw-dropper towards the end. In grade school, when taught about
Communism, I got the impression that the Communist Party wasn’t a political party you wanted
to be associated with- in fact, I got the impression it was just purely wrong to be a part of it. After
seeing this film, I felt empathy towards the Communists. It wasn’t the Americans people were
afraid of- it was the past so called ‘leaders’, comma inside quote] also known as Stalin- who was
mentioned quite a bit in the film, that were frightening. These Americans that were blacklisted
and had everything ended up having nothing. They genuinely just wanted to be a part of the free
and open-minded country they once knew. After World War II, I feel people felt that being a part
of the Communist Party meant taking one step closer to preventing any kind of Hitler-like regime
again.
To be honest, I felt that the politics in the film were portrayed completely differently than
how I learned. Seeing the FBI and US government as the ‘bad guys’ was something that never
occurred to me before. I felt passion towards the characters. It was a depressing realization after
discovering the innocent main character, Herbert Biberman, was blacklisted until his death. How
could have a country of opportunity and freedom- of speech, religion, politics, OPINIONcompletely freeze and turn on its own values? It’s truly sickening how the great United States of
America took violent actions towards men of peace.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Andra I 284 [excellent commentary, minor writing items as noted;3]
The movie[comma] “One of the Hollywood 10[comma]” depicts the highly untouched subject
of the sufferers on the other end of the Red Scare, not the common United States government
angle that we are fed in every high school textbook. The movie shows the lives of a married
Hollywood couple, Gale Sondergaard and Herbert Biberman, who get accused and prosecuted for
being a part of the Communist Party.
The movie blatantly shows the hypocrisy of the U.S. government- a possible good reason for the
banning of the movie. Our country is supposed to be upheld by our Constitution[comma]yet
when the government goes into panic mode, they seem to lose sight of this. In the movie, Gale
quotes, “I am an American, no one’s going to chase me out of this town”. [quote outside period]
This quote then gets repeated back to Herbert by an FBI agent proving there was tapping of their
phones. This is a clear violation to privacy rights of the American people. Herbert, once in the
courtroom to be prosecuted, was also treated very unconstitutionally and kept having to repeat “I
have rights! [comma]” yet his voice went unheard and got [he was]prosecuted regardless. [new
[paragraph]]Fear is not an excuse for our government to simply do whatever they please, yet
time and time again this is proved to be the case. Taking the recent tragedy of 9/11, the
government began accusing and stereotyping citizens similarly. Even though it may seem to the
rest of us that our government is simply trying to protect us, we never actually stop and take a
second to think of how these accusations might actually drastically destroy an innocent person’s
life, and this is exactly what the movie beautifully brought light to.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7
Olena P 329 [minor items as noted; otherwise a well written and thoughtful
commentary if perhaps just a bit up beat about today than might be the case (a personal
observation); 3+]
"Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the
equal rights of others” (Thomas Jefferson). The country that values liberty and equal rights
represents the American dream in many foreign minds, mine in particular. However, most of us
do not realize, that these freedoms did not come naturally, but happened as a result of the constant
struggle of those, [no comma]who believed in authentic American democracy.
“One of the Hollywood Ten” depicts a very real struggle against prejudice, racism and
poverty. Herbert Biberman, his wife and friends become victims of the masses' narrow thinking
and authorities' cruelty. What struck me the most is an incredible difference in the attitude that
happened in American minds within just the few decades. Herbert Biberman and his comrades
were jailed because of their acceptance of Communism in America (which had nothing to do
with the real cruel totalitarian regime in Russia at that time). Sixty years later I managed to be a
student in an American University despite the fact that I was born in the Soviet Union. Even the
recent arrest of 10 Russian spies on the East Cost just a few months ago did not anger American
minds nearly as much, [no comma]as the Hollywood Reds. It was hard for me to believe that the
country depicted in “One of the Hollywood Ten” is the same place that is generously giving me, a
“Soviet child”, [comma inside quotes in the US, the other way around elsewhere alas]so many
opportunities and freedoms right now. The movie sparks [a] realization of how destructive
political insanity can get, when built on the brainwashing, denial of freedom of speech and lack
of information.
Biberman was fighting against fascism, not an American democracy. “I'm a Jeffersonian
American”, [ditto above]he says, showing [himself] to be a real American, standing true to his
beliefs in the Constitution and equality. Even though the movie opens our eyes to the costs of
liberties we are enjoying, it also points out the great success and rapid development of American
democracy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Katherine A 364!!!![ a bit long, with some minor writing issues as note…otherwise, a very
thoughtful discussion: 3-]
The film, “One of the Hollywood Ten”, [comma inside quote]is a true story of the struggles
that writer and director, Herbert Biberman, and his wife, actress, [no comma]Gail Sondergaard
endured during the McCarthy era. Along with some of their Hollywood friends, they were
blacklisted for being associated with the American Communist Party. With the Red Scare at its
height in the United States, the FBI made sure that Hollywood, an influential industry, did not
contribute to the paranoia. Biberman attempted to use his supposed Constitutional Rights to save
his friends and himself [comma] but ultimately the corrupt government won and they landed in
jail. Once they were freed, many years later, Biberman started directing a film, “Salt of the Sea”,
[comma inside, and it’s seal salt, salt of the earth] so the nation could see how a small New
Mexico town was being treated poorly (to say the least) by the government, similar to how he was
treated. Biberman and his crew endured many tough encounters with the law and vigilantes while
producing the film, and eventually completed it and changed the way people experienced the
silver screen.
I thought the film did a good job making the audience sympathetic for [toward] the Hollywood
bunch that was unfairly treated for expressing their first amendment rights. It also brought light
to how easily the United States government fears the expression of that exact right. I believe
following Biberman was the best choice because out of the Hollywood ten, because he represents
what an American was, is, and should be. Someone who will stop at nothing to fight for what
8
they believe in. Also, I feel that incorporating “Salt of the Sea” into this film, foretold the
banishment of “One of the Hollywood Ten” because it would have incriminated the United States
government to a certain degree.[unclear]
I have always known that [the] media has been controlled by the government. I have never
thoroughly comprehended [that] our government didn’t want us to see something until we were
told “One of the Hollywood Ten” is now only available outside of the country. Having watched
the film and now assuming it was banned because the risk of societal uproar, it makes me
question if we really do have the rights we are told we have.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Juan M 319 [a few more commas, otherwise a really fine focused and thoughtful discussion:
3++]
After watching the film [comma]One of the Hollywood Ten, which is mainly about the
persecution of Hollywood writers and directors, I was disappointed to see how easily the U.S.
government could be manipulated by one of its “finest” organizations, the FBI. The film focuses
on the lives of Director Herbert Biberman and his wife Gale Sondergard, a famous Hollywood
actress. Both were members of the American Communist Party. For this reason both were
blacklisted and persecuted for allegedly promoting Communism and for trying to overthrow the
U.S. government. In reality [comma]what Biberman, Sondergard and the rest of their group
intended to do was to create a Hollywood that produced films that showed respect to the dignity
and the freedom of the working people of America. Unfortunately [comma]the U.S. government
and the American people weren’t able to see that side of the story because the FBI kept feeding
them lies and dictated to them what to think. This was something that amazed me because the FBI
only showed how stubborn and ignorant it can be in critical times.
I really enjoyed the message behind the creation of the film [comma]Salt of the Earth, which
was the notion of showing the lives of real people in real world struggles that take place on a
daily basis. Such a film wouldn’t only create unity within the mineworkers, it would also serve as
an inspiration to all those other people out there who were also struggling to keep their jobs. I
also enjoyed learning about Herbert Biberman, who was an idealist who demanded honesty and
integrity in every imaginable way. [nice]When he didn’t allow his wife to act the role of
Esmeralda, he shows us how deep his honesty really is and how much the integrity of a character
means to him. Biberman is indeed an honorable man by standing behind his ideas and not
allowing anyone to take them away from him.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cortney K 320 [really excellent….strong powerful and very well written: 3+++]
“And I Thought I Knew This Country.”
Before watching the film, One of the Hollywood Ten, I was deeply unaware of the blacklisting on
Hollywood stars that occurred in the late 1940’s, early 1950’s. However, after seeing the film in
its entirety, that ignorance was gone. One of the Hollywood Ten is one of the most jaw-dropping,
thought-provoking films I have seen thus far. With a screenplay so figurative in language and
scenes so disturbingly real, like a bulldozer pushing a pile of hundreds of human bodies, more
than very vivid!!!. i.e., good]this movie had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I went through the
film feeling confused, mad, disgusted, angry, sympathetic, scared and shocked all at once. The
dialogue and powerfully delivered lines like, “winners become losers, and stars become stars,”
and, “I am an American, no body is going to chase me out of this town,” has me rethinking what
9
freedom in America really means and who are the real winners, losers, and stars in our nation.
[new jparagraph]The House Committee of Un-American Activities, Crusade for Freedom
Strategy, issuing subpoenas only to those powerful Hollywood stars of Russian and Jewish
decent, proved that the accused cannot merely rely on the constitution, but must fight for the ideas
of justice and freedom behind it. The thought that blacklisted Hollywood director and member of
the Communist Party USA, Herbert Biberman, conspired against his own country is a perfect
example of how McCarthyism enabled individuals to make accusations without proper evidence.
It makes me wonder; what drives the motives of the few individuals who are in charge of our
country and at what destructive lengths will these powerful officials go to manipulate the
outcomes in their favor? Overall, One of The Hollywood Ten was a movie that will be etched
forever in history, and in my own mind, as a film that showed the world that if you have dirty
windows, it is you who will be forced to look through them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Neil R 336 [excellent, solid writing and extremely thoughtful discussion: 3+++]
Karl Francis' “One of the Hollywood Ten” (2000) is a particularly moving film that demonstrates
the dangers of giving into radical, fear-driven ideologies in America. [nice] The film's portrayal
of Biberman and Sondergaard's harassment at the hands of the HUAC and FBI shows how easily
government power can be abused. These characters are persecuted simply upon the basis of their
political ideologies at a time that [when]the nation was consumed with fear over communism. It
would be easy for a disgruntled viewer to place blame on the individual FBI agents and
congressmen who were responsible for the harassment, yet the problem this film exposes goes
much deeper. [fine intro]
The fear-driven McCarthyist ideologies that drove the nation into a fervor over the
“communist threat” were nothing more than demagogic manipulations used to gain political
support and push the agendas of those espousing them. The Hollywood Ten simply provide a
particularly visible example of some high-profile figures that were targeted by this.[these
manipulations] There were many other groups, such as union members and government
employees, who were also targeted by these attacks and had no recourse to fight back. The film
becomes heartening as the characters join together to produce “Salt of the Earth” on their own as
a counter to their abuse. However, many who were targeted did not have the means to vocalize
any objection, forcing them to either capitulate or give up their entire livelihoods.
It is easy to view the film simply as an occurrence from the past, but its events have many
parallels today. Similar radical ideologies are used in the wars on terrorism and drugs, as well as
by the tea party movement in order to rally support. They feed off of people's craving for easy
targets to blame during difficult times, targeting politically expedient groups under the guise of
some sort of threat to the nation. “One of the Hollywood Ten” shows us that we must not give
into these dogmas, and firmly assert that government power should not be extended into personal
matters.
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Jason T 313 [sorry to say this doesn’t begin to approach acceptable writing….there is no
concept of a sentence….just a bunch of thoughts, more or less related strung together. A great
deal of work is needed on your writing: 1-]
The Film One of the Hollywood Ten is[about] a group of Hollywood actors/writers who
were blacklisted and treated unfairly because of their race and religious beliefs. The film starts
with Herbert Biberman and Gale Sondergaard who lived their perfect, successful lives as
Hollywood stars, but soon discovered as members of the American Communist party.[this is a
rather poor sentence…not really a sentence actually]
The United States government then tries to ruin their lives because of their beliefs. The
FBI believes that they are trying to overthrow the U.S. government and promote Russian
Communism. It all began when Gale gave her speech when she won her Oscar and everything
starts going down the hill. [again, a weak sentence…too vague]
From watching the movie, it makes me so angry knowing how naïve our government is
and how they try to ruin peoples lives every way possible and stop them from being able to get a
job and getting everyone on their side making these communist actors look like bad people. [ditto
above…..rambling]The FBI got everyone in the world to dislike these people and even put them
in prison for their beliefs, it [???] shows how corrupt this Justice system is and how freedom of
speech in America, or what we call America, a place of freedom, are not allowed to believe in
what we feel and say what we want to say would be discriminated towards America.[ditto] After
all the actors lose their jobs, they try to create a film called Salt of the Earth where then the
government soon finds out and tries to stop them immediately and even putting their lives in
danger and arresting their main actress trying to stop them everyway possible. [ditto]But because
Herbert is so strong-willed and has the bravery to stand up for his beliefs, he continues to find
ways to complete his film and shows everyone in the world he stands for what he believes in and
can live his life with integrity.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eruch M 320 [minor adjustment at the start, otherwise a really fine commentary in both
writing and substance: 3++
I find it rather astounding that even in this democratic, “free” society, people’s ideas and
actions can be suppressed so effectively with such little outcry from the public, given the right
circumstances. [weak clause at the end..put it in front] In the post WWII era any and all ideas
even remotely connected to communism or socialism were stigmatized and ostracized, both by
the government through direct action, and by the public through popular culture and social
pressure.
I suspect this partially served to create a cohesive sense of American nationalism,
purpose, direction, and a common enemy, albeit at the cost of sacrificing some of the fundamental
principles that the United States was founded upon. In attempting to destroy what it believed to
be a foreign enemy in the form of an idea, the US effectively destroyed a part of itself. [nice]
Even today, with our history sprinkled with civil rights movements, feminist movements, LGBT
rights, etc… there is still significant infringement upon our liberties, and each day brings new
challenges to our attempt at a freer, more tolerant society. In the aftermath of 2001’s attacks on
the World Trade Center, America is struggling to temper its anger, and its urge for retaliation,
which is often aimed broadly and indiscriminately at all of the Muslim religion. Recently, there
has been heated debate on whether or not the city of New York should approve plans to build a
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Mosque near ground zero. Because of this retaliating anger, public officials are actually
considering limiting our rights to private property and religion.
A perfect system, whether it be economic, political, or social, can only be perfect in
theory. Although in the creation of the US constitution the founding fathers strived to create a
political structure that defended our rights to free speech, assembly, religion, and property, in
practice it boils down to the people that comprise that structure to determine the equity, freedom,
and values of the system, not simply the system itself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Carlotta Y 275 [a couple issues as noted; otherwise a thoughtful commentary; 3-]
One of the Hollywood Ten focuses on the life of director, [no comma]Herbert Biberman,
and actress, Gale Sondergaard. The film opens with Gale winning an Oscar, and announcing her
anti-Fascist beliefs. Her statement quickly denounces[the statement doesn’t denounce her] her
and labels her and Herbert as American Communists. Many see Herbert and Gale as traitors to
the United States for their ideals. The two are soon blacklisted in Hollywood and can no longer
find any work.
I was shocked and amazed by the actions of the American government. What makes
America so great are our rights for freedom of speech and ability to fight for what we believe in.
However, those rights were instantly stripped away from Herbert and Gale because their beliefs
are [were] not popular and acceptable to the American public. Herbert and Gale are two important
figures in Hollywood, and it upsets me that they can be so hastily exiled for standing up for their
ideals. Herbert is imprisoned because he decides to take the first amendment and refuses to sign
the subpoena stating his oath to the United States. It shows that the American government is so
corrupted for imprisoning him because he did not do anything wrong, nor does he believe that he
needs to sign the paper because he is entitled to believe in his ideals, even if they are
unpopular.[two sentences, i.e. thoughts]
I find it ironic that America takes pride in our rights and the Constitution. However, in
One of the Hollywood Ten, those rights are only given to those that [who]follow the American
government’s ideals. The film does a great job at portraying the struggles for standing up for our
beliefs or following the flock.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stephanie W 246 [minor issues as noted, otherwise fine; 3-]
One of the Hollywood Ten tells the story of one of the ten-blacklisted Hollywood stars,
Herbert Biberman during the post-Cold War era. In the United States, conspiracy theories had
been floating around about who was apart [two words]of the American Communist Party. The
government created a list included ten Hollywood stars ranging from actresses, screenwriters to
directors who they believed had communist relations. With the support of the government for
blacklisting these ten Hollywood stars, American citizen’s constitutional rights become in
jeopardy.[were jepordized would be better]
Because Biberman could no longer find a job in Hollywood, he found work as a director
through his friends who were also blacklisted. The screenplay, Salt of the Earth, mirrors the
struggles that the Hollywood blacklisters are faced with. Salt of the Earth tells the story of
mineworkers who are faced with unfair labor wages.
One of the Hollywood Ten opened my eyes to the conspiracy ideas that the government
can instill in us[comma] as well as the bad things that the government does to ensure that their
beliefs are the correct [you mean accepted ones] ones. Throughout this film we saw the
government go against what America should be about when the panel did not allow Herbert
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Biberman to say [give] his statement [comma]and when they bugged his house with listening
devices. This mirrors the fight of the mineworkers who were fighting for fair pay against their
company. Though all of this, we learned we cannot back down from what we believe in and must
fight for our rights.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cody H 300 [save for the concept of a paragraph, this is very fine..succinct and thoughtful
comments: 3]
“One of the Hollywood Ten” is a film that follows the struggles and challenges that faced
alternative thinkers in the post-war McCarthy era witch hunts. [nice] The film tracks the
coordinated expulsion of Jewish director Herbert Biberman and his fellow American Communist
Party members from Hollywood. The FBI and US congress leveraged their authority to establish
the Committee on American Activities, a façade to their unlawful harassment and intimidation of
idealists and free thinkers. Responding to the pressures of the government, Hollywood guilds and
studios blacklisted Biberman and his cohorts, except those willing to renounce their beliefs and
abandon their friends. Biberman believed in the Constitution and he took a stand to challenge the
committee. Unfortunately, his attempted invocation of his inalienable right to free speech
resulted in his imprisonment and his family’s continued persecution. [new paragraph] The extent
to which the FBI and US government willingly interfered in the lives and careers of Biberman,
his wife, and other devote American Communist Party members was unsettling. Even after
leaving Hollywood to create the independent film “Salt of the Earth,” Biberman and his
associates were vulnerable to fraud, blackmail, and mercenary vigilantes. [ditto] One of the more
interesting allegorical connections the film establishes is that between the government control and
interference in 1930’s German film industry and the 1950’s American film industry. The opening
scene shows Nazi propaganda film “Triumph of the Will,” the most popular German film and
also Hitler’s favorite, opening in New York City in 1937. This introduction sets the stage for the
American Government to emulate Gestapo-like tactics in their own ethnic and political cleansing
of Hollywood. The US Government viciously attacked those thought to be subversive threats to
their ultimate control and mimicked the inhumane and generally unrighteous persecution of
native citizens perpetrated so recently by their most sadistic enemy.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Krysta V 406!!! [too long, but otherwise excellent….very fine writing and equally thoughtful
commentary: 3+++, but edit next time!!]
Although the film, One of the Hollywood Ten, was written about the McCarthy era, the political
struggles highlighted are very applicable to our world today. The film specifically follows the
struggle of Herbert Biberman, a Hollywood director, as he tries to fight for his right to political
expression. He, along with other big Hollywood players, is persecuted after it is found that they
are members of the American Communist Party. The government pressures each person to sign a
loyalty oath, denouncing communism and the suspected “commies.” In literally no time, the
media and the American public goes from loving these Hollywood stars to hating them,
reminding us of how easily the media in this country can demonize certain groups when the
American public is uneducated about the issues. This was apparent after the racism that ensued
towards the Muslim community post 9/11. The media wasted no time convincing Americans that
Middle Eastern people were the enemy and were responsible for the attacks. There is a part in the
film where an FBI agent says that the reason they must crack down on Hollywood is because,
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“they are the hearts and minds of the people.” This shows how calculated the government
campaign against communism was.
The scene that simultaneously showed Esmeralda doing her monologue and Gale
watching the news broadcast revealing the filming of Salt of the Earth was particularly effective
in highlighting how strongly the government will attack freedom of expression when they are
afraid of dissenting political ideologies. It was amazing how angry people in the town were after
hearing one government broadcast, even though they had found nothing wrong with the film crew
before that.
The filming of Salt of the Earth was representative of Biberman’s struggle to tell his own story.
The miners suffered the same type of oppression that Biberman did, just in a labor context. I
thought the film could have done a better job with Biberman’s character towards the end of the
film. Although I sympathized with his character a lot at the beginning, he was becoming very
annoying towards the end, seemingly forgetting what the point of the struggle was. I think this
demonstrates how important it is to remain united during a large struggle. Biberman might have
been more successful had he worked better with his wife and friends to battle the government.
Most significant movements require a lot of people behind them to make a significant impact.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bonnie P 300
One of the Hollywood Ten lacks context and depth in its attempt to inspire people with a
beguilingly simplified Hollywood portrayal of McCarthy Era blacklists and the production of Salt
of the Earth. Although the inclusion of historical videos, news articles and photos lends a realistic
grounding to the film, the black and white depiction of various groups, such as the FBI, leaves
viewers with a belief that the protagonists emerged victorious over threats to their personal
freedoms.
In reality, there is no happy ending. The use of fear mongering as a coercive tactic
continues today, as demonstrated by parallels between the War on Terror, in post 9/11 America,
and the Red Scare. In both instances, voicing discontent with the American government, and its
actions, was grounds to be denounced by country and fellow countrymen. The U.S. government
used fear to sway the individual opinions of a populous, towards one unified stance, pitting
compatriots against each other in the state’s name.
Despite oversimplifying characters, the film manages to demonstrate the ease with which
personal beliefs can be manipulated. Aspiring to win the hearts of its audience, it counteracts
ignorant, malicious undertakings of the FBI with the righteous actions of Herbert Biberman.
However, the film continually returns to junctures when Biberman loses sight of the very
convictions upon which he based his life’s struggle. For example, Biberman fixates on perfecting
Salt of the Earth, losing sight of the miners’ plight in the process. Similarly, the FBI obsesses
over the perceived threat of communism within the United States, disregarding the effects of its
actions on individual liberties in order to protect the ideal of American democratic freedoms. One
of the Hollywood Ten should leave the astute viewer wondering if it is necessary to sacrifice the
people in order to fight for them.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Theresa P 203!! [as two thirds of the assignment, this is fine…save for the issues noted, well
written and thoughtful; 3-]
"One of the Hollywood Ten" illustrates a frustratingly common flaw that I find in our federal
government through the story of Herbert Biberman and the victimization he experienced for his
communist affiliation. [start with “through the story of….]The McCarthy Era was filled with
paranoia of the Red Scare, but in trying to prevent political takeover, the government developed
many tyrannical and oppressive tendencies. Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers of
the United States of America prepared our Constitution on the basis of freedom and equality, yet
so many historical instances have proven that the intentions of "our" government have and
continue to be protecting merely what its interpretation of American is. By oppressing peaceful,
economically contributive members of society for simply what they believed in, the FBI
paralleled the actions taken by Hitler and the Nazi party against the Jews. [new paragraph]
Political and Economical ideologies are social institutions, as are religion and ethnicity, in which
many different perspectives are logical and followed. To persecute any peaceful individual for
agreeing to disagree is hypocritical, just as oppressing any peaceful individual for the color of
their skin is inhumane. Tolerance is the key to peace, and any interruption is, in my opinion,
contempt of what Congress should really stand for.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Warren F 294 [a few minor writing issues as noted, otherwise fine in both writing and content; 3]
The film [comma]One of the Hollywood Ten[comma] is a great depiction of fighting for what
you believe in [new sentence, It does this… by showing the struggles of Hollywood filmmakers’
ability to find work while they were being persecuted for their political beliefs. It[The film
revolved around the corrupt, fearful, and controlling federal government that could become
enemy to anyone who didn’t have the same democratic views as them back then. In the film, the
F.B.I. targets Herbert Biberman, his wife Gale, and his Hollywood friends for the communist
witchhunt.
Herbert and his wife go from being the most famous in Hollywood to becoming
blacklisted, while his friends betray him in exchange for their jobs. The couple go through years
of struggle and fighting for their communistic[???} beliefs while being constantly oppressed by
the F.B.I.. Eventually, their persistence and dedication to what they believe in finally pays off.
I found the film to be inspirational [comma]but also ridiculous at the same time. It was
really inspiring how the main characters never gave up and kept working hard towards their goal
regardless of how impossible it must have seemed. I like that Herbert stuck to his beliefs until the
very end and never let anyone tell him otherwise. It’s like the American Dream. Yet on the other
hand, I don’t understand how there could be no freedom of political belief in America at the time.
America was built on freedom and the government tried to take it away with force. Didn’t anyone
realize right away that governmental political control was unconstitutional? One similar
connection that I saw in this film and in America today is the heavily media-influenced public.
We, as the public, still follow our media from day to day, but at least now, people will actually
think for themselves. [a personal comment on the conclusion….we disagree]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
15
Greg P 338 [minor issues as noted, otherwise very fine in both writing and content;
3+]
One of the Hollywood Ten is a film set in the post WWII era when the United States
government focused its attention away from the defeated axis powers, toward their one time ally,
the USSR, and the communist ideals they feared would spread and threaten the American way of
life. [a bit much in one sentence]The story follows protagonist Herbert Biberman, an up and
coming director whose life is turned upside down when he and his wife are blacklisted from
Hollywood for being named as communist sympathizers. What stood out to me most dramatically
in this film were the parallels between the US government and the fascist ideals they were trying
to prevent [comma]in addition to the blatant hypocritical nature of their means to seek out those
believed to be “Un-American”.[period inside the quote]
Fear has been an underlying cause for many radical actions taken by individuals and
groups all throughout history.[start with “All throught history….” ] No different was the US
government, whose fear of communism following WWII stripped numerous Americans of their
natural born and constitutionally backed liberties. At the time, the spread of communism was
deemed a very real threat, and during times of conflict, certain regulatory items are necessary to
protect the homeland. However, it is very clear today that the US government took a fascist-like
grip on the country [comma]and utilized the very same ideals they were attempting to rid from
the world and more specifically, the American people. The keenest example of this from the film
occurred in the second half of the story when the FBI assisted in setting ablaze and staking out the
buildings in which they suspected the communist film Biberman was working on was being held.
Fire has always been a tool of tyrants, notably comparable to the Nazis in Germany and
Communists in Russia, as a means to weed out conflicting ideals and assert their dominance.
[nice, the reference to fire]Although it is by no means a great film, One of the Hollywood Ten
does a fine job in making the US government’s hypocritical tactics during the time period clearly
evident to the viewer.
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Tyler H 346 [several minor issues as noted, otherwise fine in both content and writing; 3-]
One of the Hollywood Ten is a film about the imprisonment and blacklisting of ten
writers in post- World War II America. Given that the film is a true story, I was amazed to see
how persistent the F.B.I and the rest of Hollywood was at ruining the lives of the writers and their
families just because of their beliefs. The film is focused on writer Herbert Biberman and his
Oscar-winning wife Gale Sondergaard [comma]and how they struggle to further their careers
because of [you mean “despite”??] Biberman’s involvement with the American Communist
Party.
In 1945 there was a surge in American pride [comma]as we had just successfully
overthrown Hitler and the Nazi party[comma] and stopped their persecution of the Jewish
people. American’s [no apostrophe] were proud to live in a country where your religious and
political beliefs did not determine your place in society. The film shows that, even though
freedom of speech and religion are Constitutionally [small c] guaranteed, the ears of the
American Government were very sensitive to anything that might be considered a threat to our
country. Biberman and his fellow writers were sought out by the F.B.I because they were
Russian-Jews believed to be Communists. Their meetings and conversations were so closely
followed that the writers were no longer able to speak freely about their beliefs. There was
constantly an agent outside of Biberman’s house listening in through a bug they had planted in
16
the house. This invasion of privacy is comparable to how the Patriot Act of 2001 allows the
government to monitor suspected terrorists.
Following the blacklisting it was almost impossible for Biberman and Sondergaard to find
work. Biberman was able to get a job directing Salt of the Earth, a film with no studio backing
and whose actors were New Mexican miners. Even then there was strong resistance to him having
any part in creating a film. Sondergaard, however, was unable to find any work until after
Biberman’s death many years later. To see people’s lives ruined like this just because of their
political and religious beliefs was shocking to see in 20th Century America.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Melanie P 303 [minor items as noted, otherwise very fine in both content and
writing;3+]
Karl Francis’ depiction of Herbert Biberman’s experience of being black-listed in
Hollywood is reminiscent of the persecution the Jews felt under Hitler. The opening scenes at the
Academy Awards portray Gale Sondergaard and Herbert Biberman’s success and wealth; these
were the very qualities that prompted many Germans’ concern about the strength and influence of
the Jewish people.[nice contrast] Similarly, the American government feared that influential
people with communist ties might threaten democracy. Biberman and Sondergaards’s right to
privacy was stripped by the American government. The FBI’s surveillance of them can be
compared to the Gestapo persecution of the Jews. Biberman was clear during his trial when he
said: “It’s not about communism, it’s about freedom of speech.” The American government
violated that first amendment right. Biberman and his colleagues worked in prison camps digging
ditches, similar to the Jews’ work in Nazi camps, although obviously their punishment was not as
tragic as the suffering of the Jews. [new paragraph]After his prison sentence, Biberman’s new
film was received badly by the government who claimed “it was designed to depict the United
States as an enemy to all colored people.” The government’s attempts to stop production of the
film “Salt of the Earth” provoked some of the townspeople to react violently against the
participants in the production. Much as Hitler created a nation with hatred toward Jews, the
American government turned its citizens against the Hollywood Ten and anyone who associated
with them. The American government supposedly was ‘fighting communism’ to save the world
from another potential dictator, and yet took control to harm peaceful people. It is ironic that the
government fought to prevent the rise of a strong communist leader who might endanger the civil
liberties of Americans, but in doing so took those same liberties away from the citizens they were
trying to protect.
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