Episode 311 – Trumbo (2015)

Max, Mike; Movies

Order, order! The Committee for “Ready When You Are, C.B.” will come to order! The witness has been sworn in and we are ready to proceed. The witness is reminded that failure to answer any of the committee’s questions will result in the witness being held in contempt . . . even more than they already are. Now then: are you now or have you ever been a member of the Bumpyist Party? Let the record show that the witness has answered “Neigh.” Very well. Before you return to your stall with the thanks of the committee and a bag of oats, can you give us the names of any Bumpyists living, working, or podcasting in the United States today? Oh, I see you’ve prepared a list. Hand-calligraphed, too. Very nice. Only two names, though. Do you believe that this “Max” and “Mike” are both genuine threats, menaces, or major annoyances to the listening public of the United States of America? Tap the floor with your hoof once for yes . . . thank you. You can stop tapping now. We’ll be issue them subpoenas . . . the gallery will stop giggling immediately! The committee is well aware what the word “subpoenas” sounds like!

This week we’re discussing a film that tackles a dark period in Hollywood, and the entire U.S. of A.: the Red Scare and more specifically, the infamous Hollywood Blacklist as seen through the lens of the life of Dalton Trumbo. Trumbo, once one of the most successful screenwriters in Hollywood, was one of the Hollywood Ten, ten screenwriters who were accused of being Communists by the UnAmerican House of . . . excuse me, the House UnAmerican Activities Committee, or J.E.R.K.W.E.E.D., I mean, HUAC and saw his life nearly destroyed, like so many others, as a result of this pandering, fear-mongering, and ultimately utterly useless witch hunt that run for thirty years. How well does this film portray this national embarrassment of a time period? Give a listen and find out! Thank goodness we don’t have any jingoistic psychopaths talking about “The Enemies Within” anymore . . . .

Poll question: what famous figure do you most think deserves a biopic but hasn’t had one yet? Leave a comment or call our Anonymous Informant line at 617-398-7266