Skirball Cultural Center

Explore the history and impact of the Hollywood Red Scare and its contemporary implications for civil liberties, propaganda, and shifting definitions of American patriotism.

In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee called on Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of Communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found evidence of this, the film industry responded by becoming the first mass employer to adopt a blacklist against employees whose political beliefs ran counter to prevailing ideals.

Making its West Coast debut at the Skirball Cultural Center with newly added artifacts, Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare shines a spotlight on the proceedings, investigations, motives, and choices of those caught in the crosshairs—including the many Jewish creatives and executives who suffered under and enforced the blacklist.

The result is an emotionally complex and compelling exhibition that demonstrates how the politics of Hollywood can shape the entire country.

"In this era of political division, and considering the rollbacks of civil liberties in this country, the exhibition has urgent contemporary context."—Los Angeles Times

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare is an original exhibition created by and on loan from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

Our audio guide includes select object highlights by Skirball managing curator Cate Thurston, as well as oral histories, and even a historical radio advertisement.

Access the Audio Guide

The infamous blacklist changed Hollywood. A timely show tracing its history arrives at Skirball 
Los Angeles Times | May 4, 2023

Inside ‘Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare’ at the Skirball Cultural Center
Los Angeles Daily News | May 4, 2023