McCarthyism and Hollywood

The Hollywood Ten ....
Two short videos highlighting the background of 10 writers/film directors arrested for un-American activities during the McCarthy Era.

Video 1 of 2:


Video 2 of 2:

Final Project Topic Questions are Due

All final project topic questions are due on Friday, February 27. The question is the thick or deep question on which you will complete independent research in the next three weeks. You will also need to contract your "articulation" format (how you will show the answer to your question to your instructor and classmates).

Possible articulation formats:

1. traditional essay (min. 5 pages)
2. PowerPoint presentation (min. 15 slides, incl. title and citation slides)
3. Traditional verbal presentation to class (no more than 15 min.) with appropriate visuals
4. Original short video presentation
5. Blog Page (guidelines must be worked out with Denise)

Can't think of a topic question? Refer to earlier posts on this Blogspot -- curiosity question lists from the short reading chapters on Birth of the Industry, The Silent Era, Movies Find a Voice.

Still stuck? Here are a few ideas:

• What is the history of the annual Academy Awards? (structure, decisions, trends, past winners)
• How did McCarthyism affect Hollywood?
• What are some of the most famous scandals of the early years of Cinema (birth to 40s)?
• How did Hollywood change with the rebellious culture of the 50s, 60s, and 70s?
• What are considered the most influential films of all time (and why?)?
• How did (insert actor/actress/director name here) affect the cinema industry?

The Oscars

Questions arose . . .

Heath Ledger was not included in the "Passed Away" montage because he had been included in last year's goodbye sequence. He died 13 months ago.

Yes, Angelina Jolie's emeralds were real.

Dustin Lance Black is 34, not 30.

Sophia Loren is 74 years old.

Mickey Rourke has led a colorful life: boxer to actor to boxer to actor, again. He is a dog lover. Best known for his roles in Sin City, 9 1/2 Weeks, Barfly, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and Body Heat.

This Week -- Feb. 9 - 13

What's up for the week?

• Monday - finish Chaplin's "The Kid" -- discussion / Curiosity Questions Due for Silent Era/Sound Technology readings.
• Tuesday -- discussion / computer acivity (?)
• Wed. -- Harold Lloyd's "The Freshman"
• Thurs. -- Harold Lloyd's "The Freshman"
• Fri -- Finish "The Freshman" / Fritz Lang's "Metropolis"