Synopsis
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
Ratings
IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Metacritic71/100
34 audience votes
Key crew
- Peter AskinDirector
- Robert MillerOriginal Music Composer
- Christopher TrumboScreenplay
Cast
- Joan AllenSelf
- Michael DouglasSelf
- Liam NeesonSelf
- Paul GiamattiSelf
- Josh LucasSelf
- Nathan LaneSelf
- Brian DennehySelf
- David StrathairnSelf
- Donald SutherlandSelf
- Emanuel AzenbergSelf - Interviewee
- Walter BernsteinSelf - Interviewee
- Christopher TrumboSelf - Interviewee