Additional Dialogue: An Evening With Dalton Trumbo

by Christopher Trumbo, Dalton Trumbo, Harry Groener

In 1947, witty, outspoken, irascible Dalton Trumbo (Oscar-winning screenwriter of Spartacus) went to prison for defying the House Committee on Un-American Activities and became one of the framed Hollywood Ten. Through his wildly funny and thought-provoking correspondence, Trumbos son has created a touching portrait of an extraordinary man. A L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance Jeff Corey, Harry Groener, Christopher Trumbo and Paul Winfield.

Genres: Plays, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 28, 2001

Reviews

[Theo Logos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalton Trumbo was an American screenwriter and author who wrote Johnny Got His Gun and scripted such films as Roman Holiday, Spartacus, and Exodus. He was a member of the Hollywood Ten, refusing to name names or answer questions in front of The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), and subsequently was blacklisted for thirteen years and spent a year in prison. He was in the vanguard of breaking the blacklist in 1960, when for the first time in over a dozen years, two films — Spartacus and Exodus — both appeared under his own name.

This excellent LA Theater Works audio production dramatizes Trumbo’s fierce, fiery, and often furiously funny letters from this period. Most deal directly with his situation of being blacklisted and ostracized. Some are seething letters to cowardly, erstwhile friends, who attempted to reach out to him privately while denouncing him publicly. Some dramatize his suddenly fraught financial state:

”And I tell you quite frankly that it will probably be sixty days before you get your money. Considering what you’ve done to me I aught to make you wait the full nine months.”

A few are letters to his son offering humorous advice and encouragement. All are electrified with his fierce wit, humor, and sense of honor.

This is an important piece which reminds us that America periodically lurches toward authoritarianism and totalitarianism. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not at all foreign to our national character, and is certainly not limited to our present insane and frighteningly clownish moment. But, as this piece reminds us, fierce citizens of honor and integrity can oppose, survive, and even overcome these frightening times.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

HUAC involvement ensures I'll definitely read/listen to it, and this was an entertaining, impactful play. I would have rated higher if not for the seemingly never ending section about masturbation that did not add anything

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book about the Dalton Trumbo, American screenwriter and novelist, who was on the Hollywood Blacklist during the McCarthy era. Through letters read by his son (in this auditory format), this book was informative and humorous, providing insights and background for something that America must never repeat.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous book full of education and wit about one of the Hollywood Ten, one of some 300 people blacklisted by The House Committee on Un-American Activities. It was fascinating and funny, produced and performed by Trumbo's son and a very entertaining cast.

[Ian Grieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is one of my heroes!