Guilty by Suspicion (1991)

A fictional dramatization of the anti-Communist witch-hunts that plagued the U.S. during the late 1940s and early '50s, Guilty by Suspicion examines one of the most shameful periods of American history. After producing such prominent films as Rocky and Raging Bull, Irwin Winkler made his directorial debut with this 1991 drama, basing his screenplay on the harsh reality of the blacklisting era. Set during 1951, when the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) held hearings to target alleged Communist affiliations within the Hollywood filmmaking community, the film stars Robert De Niro as a prominent director who is urged to "name names" to appease the committee. Rather than betray one of his closest friends, he refuses to "cooperate" with the committee and is quickly blacklisted, his entire career in jeopardy. Costarring Annette Bening as the director's sympathetic ex-wife, the film doesn't pack the emotional punch of The Front (another blacklisting-era film, starring Woody Allen), but Winkler captures the paranoid anxiety of the period with a wealth of authentic detail. Because the De Niro character underestimates the power of the HUAC, we share his shock and dismay when he must finally face the committee. Without seeming like a dry history lesson, Guilty by Suspicion illuminates the unconstitutional evil of the blacklist era while offering a glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood's past. Adding to the realism, director Martin Scorsese makes a rare cameo as another filmmaker under fire. Although Winkler's script and direction are perhaps too melodramatic, Guilty by Suspicion was clearly made with noble purpose and intention. For anyone interested in the blacklisting era and Hollywood history, this movie's a must-see. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Liberalism's Passion Play

I'm so tired of Hollywood whining about the McCarthy era. Most recently it was "Good Night and Good Luck"; before that, "The Majestic"; before *that*, "The Crucible." They're like a dog with an old slipper it can't stop chewing. Hollywood's thirst for victim status needs to be slaked wherever and whenever possible, but it sure does make for boring viewing. The only thing that saves this film from total ignominy is a passel of great performances. Contrived performances, but great nonetheless.

Note to the producers: put your talent to more worthy efforts next time. To paraphrase a famous McCarthy era Hollywood luminary: "Have you no shame Hollywood? At long last, have you no shame? The McCarthy era is dead!" December 9, 2007

A sober history lesson

Before you know it our rights can be taken away. Don't believe it? It happened before...watch this movie to find out how easily it happened. June 7, 2006

Not to be missed

A compelling motion picture and an important reminder of what's possible if we are not vigilant citizens. June 7, 2006

Excellent

Excellent script and acting. Based on actual events, it's hard to believe these things actually happened in this country. June 7, 2006

An American Horror Story

For anybody interested in the McCarthy era of the 50s, "Guilty by Suspicion" is a must. In an effort to root out communist subversives in every aspect of American life, especially in the government and the motion picture industry, the U.S. Congress, in 1938, formed a special investigative body called The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). HUAC proceeded on what amounted to a modern day witch-hunt whose actions resulted in several contempt-of-Congress convictions and the blacklisting of many who refused to answer its questions.

"Guilty by Suspicion" dramatizes the terror experienced by innocent Americans at the hands of unscrupulous politicians who took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution as they were blatantly trampling on citizens' civil rights. It's also the story of one man's struggle with his conscience to do the right thing.

The film was extremely well made and the writing is excellent. The acting is top notch, especially by De Niro and Benning.

While it's a work of fiction, you can be sure it tells the true story of many people who went through this American horror story.

For anyone who thinks it could never happen here...it did.
June 7, 2006

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