Movieo
Poster for Trumbo

Trumbo

Hollywood Blacklisted Him… But He Had The Last Word.

2007 · 1h 36m · PG-13 Documentary, History
Directed by Peter Askin

Seen it?

Overview

Through a focus on the life of Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976), this film examines the effects on individuals and families of a congressional pursuit of Hollywood Communists after World War II. Trumbo was one of several writers, directors, and actors who invoked the First Amendment in refusing to answer questions under oath. They were blacklisted and imprisoned. We follow Trumbo to prison, to exile in Mexico with his family, to poverty, to the public shunning of his children, to his writing under others' names, and to an eventual but incomplete vindication. Actors read his letters; his children and friends remember and comment. Archive photos, newsreels and interviews add texture. Written by

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
82%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The transporting power of this experience is in the passionate and almost outlandishly eloquent verbal expression Trumbo poured into his correspondence, and the vividly American principles he defends.

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
Fresh

It will serve as a fine entry point for younger auds interested in learning about theprice paid by moviemakers and their families swept up in the 1950s anti-Communist net.

Robert Koehler, Variety
Fresh

The film is an enlightening recap of '50s Red Scare politics, and a parade of actors giving meaningful, earnest readings of Trumbo's speeches and letters.

John Anderson, Newsday
Fresh

It's a pleasure to meet a truly moral man in a documentary that rightly heralds his name.

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh

A ousing documentary as ornery, orotund and captivating as its subject.

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films