Hollywood's politics have undergone a significant transformation over the years. From the 1930s to the late 1960s, Hollywood was far from the liberal stronghold we know today. In fact, major players like Louis B. Mayer, Cecil B. DeMille, Walt Disney, and actors John Wayne, Robert Taylor, and George Murphy actively worked to rebuild the Republican Party in California ¹.

During this time, concerns arose about communist influence in Hollywood, with some believing that writers and actors were spreading propaganda through their work. The studios largely ignored political affiliations unless they affected profits, but the fear of communism led to the formation of the Motion Picture Alliance (MPA), dedicated to fighting communism in the industry ¹.

The 1945 and 1946 strikes intensified anti-communist sentiments, culminating in the infamous HUAC hearings, which left a lasting impact on the industry and America. The accused were blacklisted, and many suffered as a result.

However, as the 1960s approached, a shift began to take place. The John Birch Society and other anti-communist organizations lost influence, and the Vietnam War prompted some conservative stars to reevaluate their public statements. More powerful stars began supporting the Democratic Party, and Republicans, despite occasional successes in California, struggled to impact Hollywood's politics.

This fascinating period in California history and Hollywood politics is well-documented in a book that I highly recommend to history enthusiasts, politics buffs, and anyone interested in Hollywood's inner workings. The author's neutral approach and meticulous research make for engaging reading, even for non-history buffs.

Key Takeaways:

- Hollywood's Early Politics: Republican-leaning stars and studios dominated the industry from the 1930s to the late 1960s.
- The Red Scare: Fear of communism led to the MPA's formation and the devastating HUAC hearings.
- Shifting Alliances: The 1960s saw a shift toward liberal politics in Hollywood, with more stars supporting the Democratic Party.
- Lasting Impact: The HUAC hearings left a lasting impact on the industry and America, with many still feeling the effects today.

Solid and an easy 5 star review!