Hollywood Ten

The Hollywood Ten refers to a group of ten screenwriters and directors in the late 1940s who were called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about alleged communist influence in Hollywood. When they refused to answer questions regarding their political beliefs and affiliations, citing free speech rights, they were held in contempt of Congress. Subsequently, they faced blacklisting, losing their jobs in the film industry. This event highlighted the intense anti-communist sentiment in post-World War II America and significantly impacted civil liberties and the film industry for years to come.