El miedo y la ira en tiempos del macartismo: entre las cartas y los guiones de Dalton Trumbo

Abstract

This article explores the political persecution unleashed during the post-war period by McCarthyism, which led to the systematic accusation and harassment of American citizens for their leftist beliefs or Communist Party affiliations. This campaign of rumors and denunciations was particularly aggressive against film industry professionals, notably the Hollywood Ten. The emotional climate of the era was charged with fear and anger, emotions that were vividly manifested in the experiences of those targeted. By analyzing the correspondence and screenwriting of Dalton Trumbo, including his work on films like Papillon, this article examines the impact of this persecution and the strategies Trumbo used to confront the U.S. government, survive the blacklist, and sustain his career. It traces his journey from self-exile in Mexico, writing under pseudonyms, and using front names, to his eventual return and recognition in Hollywood. This analysis highlights the importance of constructing a cultural history that captures the collective emotional experiences of communities affected by such events, and it shows how Trumbo’s personal ordeals influenced the dialogues and narratives of the films he contributed to.

Keywords

• anger
• fear
• mccarthyism
• persecution
• rumor