MANORATHA

Caught a gem on KQED/PBS tonight – http://bit.ly/2AQ8uF American Masters broadcast a profile of Dalton Trumbo, one of the Hollywood writers (Roman Holiday, Spartacus etc.) caught up in the blacklisting of suspected communist sympathizers. Go watch it today or buy the DVD when its released – best documentary I've seen in a while (released as a film a while ago).

While I'd read about the witch hunt and the bravery of the men who were the Hollywood 10, this portrait brings home powerfully how one principled individual lived through that time.  His thoughts and reactions illustrated through readings of his letters by some great actors show a giant intellect and a complex human being who you could never have concocted in fiction.  His letters and writing say as much about persecution and the complicity of those who condone prosecutors and act on their behalf as the best theater or literature I've seen dealing with this human failing.  All that with determination, a sharp mind and a sense of humor shows a man who kept his dignity through some terrible times and lived a rich life.

Beautifully produced, its based on a play by his son Christopher and on a book called "Additional Dialogue: Letters…" (available on Audible and on my list to download).  The clips and the previews really don't do the film justice – go see it soon.  Bravo to all those who supported and carried through this labor of love.