These 8 Photos Reveal Hollywood in the Throes of Anti-Fascism
Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, one of the "Hollywood Ten" targeted by the Un-American Activities Committee, leaves the witness stand shouting "This is the beginning of American concentration camp." | Bettmann/Bettmann Archive
Los Angeles has often been described as a melting pot of cultures, attracting communities from across the globe with its sunny climate and promises of opportunity.
During World War II, Jews and anti-Fascists were desperate to escape persecution from their homeland. Those who were able to break through incredibly harsh immigration policies attempted to build a new home here in California. Forced to uproot their lives overseas, German-speaking exiles arriving in Los Angeles were met with mandated curfews, Nazi sympathizers and antisemitism.
In uncovering the fundamental imprint these emigrés had on Hollywood, we came across countless images that illustrate their fight against persecution and the communities of artists and intellectuals that were formed in this unfamiliar, and often unwelcoming, place. The following images offer an acknowledgment of their perseverance and recognition for their fundamental contributions to American culture.
Exiles had to work to stay connected with one another. Fear of surveillance and without the ease of picking up the cellphone, it was important to have the addresses of your community. It was at their home-gatherings where communication could be free from persecution and they could share ideas. Here is Lion Feuchtwanger’s address book including the notable address of German playwright, Bertolt Brecht. | Lion Feuchtwanger Papers / USC Libraries Special Collections
Hidden in the hills of the Pacific Palisades, the opulent Villa Aurora became a sanctuary for exiles to gather. Purchased by Lion and Marta Feuchtwanger in 1943, the couple offered their home as a refuge for creative freedom for artists and intellectuals to read unfinished works and build community. | Lion Feuchtwanger Papers / USC Libraries Special Collections
Emigrés arrived at Villa Aurora for salons or private gatherings where those of similar values came together to discuss literature, politics or philosophy. Lion and Marta Feuchtwanger had guest lists for visitors to type their name and mark their attendance. | Lion Feuchtwanger Papers / USC Libraries Special Collections
During a time when new ideas could result in political persecution, the salons offered a safe space for creative freedom. The gatherings were imperative for prolific artists and intellectuals like Charlie Chaplin, Salka Viertel, Thomas Mann and many others to develop works fundamental to American Culture. Their names noted in attendance on the guest list above. | Lion Feuchtwanger Papers / USC Libraries Special Collections
The salons fostered an environment of collaboration for the emigré community. Artists would often bring unfinished works to be read and discussed with an intimate audience of fellow creatives. Here, Lion Feuchtwanger gives a reading behind a podium in Villa Aurora. | Courtesy of the Los Angeles Examiner Prints Collection, USC Libraries Special Collections
Exiles and anti-Fascists fought against the horrors of the Nazi Regime even after they made it overseas. The Hollywood Ten were film producers, directors and screenwriters who were forced to appear in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee in October 1947. They refused to answer questions and after their release from prison, were mostly blacklisted from Hollywood. These are four of the "Hollywood Ten," who are shown leaving U. S. District Court to begin their jail sentences. In front are Albert Maltz, (Left) and Ring Lardner, Jr. Behind them are Alvah Bessie (Left) and Lester Cole. They were sentenced to serve one year each and each was fined $1,000. | Bettmann/Bettmann Archive
Ernst Lubitsch was a German film director, producer, writer and actor. He brought his talent to Paramount Studios in 1923 where he made dozens of films, first a handful of silent movies then the talkies. He even collaborated with fellow exiles, Billy Wilder. This photo from 1932 shows Lubitsch behind the cameras on production of, “One Hour With You.” | Bettmann/Bettmann Archive
German-speaking exiles brought their talents to Los Angeles and left their imprint on Hollywood forever. These fundamental contributions did not just come from the acclaimed filmmakers recognized today, but also from below-the-line workers who worked tirelessly to sew extraordinary costumes and build sets for epic films. Their work changed the film industry forever. | Courtesy of The Randall Thropp Collection
