Hollywood’s Cold War Dissidents in Ireland

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/dangerous-reds

by prismatic • 3 years ago

52 6 3 years ago

basisword• 3 years ago

Interesting to read about the hysteria in the US at the time. I find it interesting how largely forgotten this period seemingly is and also how utterly bizarre it was. It seems reminiscent of current times and the hysteria/conspiracies many politicians try to openly sow. Also interesting to see the strength the Catholic Church had to influence the Irish state and how relatively quickly that power has disappeared almost entirely.

js23• 3 years ago

I recently watched Beat the Devil. I thought it was pretty dreadful. I had no idea it had a cult following and I can't imagine why. The film really runs out of steam about halfway through and most of the actors seemed to be going through the motions. It is certainly not among the Huston films that I would recommend. Watch The Maltese Falcon or The Misfits first.

That said, Ebert put it on his "Great Movies" list:

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-beat-the-devi...

It's also possibly interesting for having had a 28-year old Truman Capote as screen writer. Except that I really think Capote wasn't a good fit for Hollywood. Breakfast at Tiffany's did not translate well to screen.

On the other hand, Roman Holiday is among my favorite films. It's the quintessential romcom.

For a terrific and unusual red-scare inspired film, let me recommend Johny Guitar. Now that's a film that deserves a cult following.

michaelchisari2• 3 years ago

I'd say that Breakfast at Tiffany's would make an incredible film.

It's a pity they never even tried.

js23• 3 years ago

Um... it's famously a film[1] staring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.

I thought it was okay. It was obviously toned down a lot from the book to meet then current sensibilities which would not offend an audience today. Ironically, there's a comedy bit with Mickey Rooney[2] that probably didn't offend American audiences at the time but that has not aged well. I also thought they added a bit too much slapstick.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakfast_at_Tiffany's_(film)

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._Y._Yunioshi

Hollywood’s Cold War Dissidents in Ireland

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