The Blacklist Lily
Remembering the Hollywood 10, the Red Scare, and the infamous Hollywood Blacklist
One of the saddest and most shameful parts of Hollywood history is the notorious blacklist.
During the Red Scare and Communist witch hunts, Congress turned its eyes to Hollywood. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) grilled studio chiefs, stars, and other industry professionals.
It’s a long story, with a lot of back and forth. Ultimately, some Hollywood luminaries refused to testify before HUAC and “name names,” invoking their Constitutional right to avoid incriminating themselves.
This ended up with ten writers and directors who faced jail and fines, and were then blacklisted by the studio and guild system. They were unable to work anymore, and this lasted for many years.
It is a long story, and a sad one. Sadder still, we seem determined to repeat this again in other contexts.
This striking variety of Asiatic lily is called the Blacklist lily, and I planted it in honor of the Hollywood 10—and all those who are silenced and persecuted for their beliefs and convictions.
