Red Scare, Black Lists: Elia Kazan, the Huac, and the Political Prosecution of American Artists

This article examines the political witch hunt of the 1950s in the United States that targeted artists and intellectuals during the McCarthy era, with a particular focus on director Elia Kazan's controversial testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Drawing on primary sources and historical scholarship, this analysis traces the origins of the Red Scare, explores the mechanics of political persecution in the entertainment industry, and evaluates the complex moral dimensions of Kazan's decision to name former colleagues as Communist Party members. The study demonstrates how this historical period continues to resonate in American cultural discourse, as evidenced by the recent global audience of 7.34 million viewers for CNN's June 7th, 2025 broadcast of Good Night, and Good Luck and the politically charged atmosphere of the 2025 Tony Awards, which took place at the Radio City Music Hall the next day.