S8 Ep818: Professional Failure and the HUAC Assault After purchasing a story idea about a serial killer from Orson Welles, Chaplin produced Monsieur Verdoux, which became his first major professional flop in America. The film's failure coincided with a massive assa

Professional Failure and the HUAC Assault

After purchasing a story idea about a serial killer from Orson Welles, Chaplin produced Monsieur Verdoux, which became his first major professional flop in America. The film's failure coincided with a massive assault by the House Un-American Activities Committee and J. Edgar Hoover, who targeted Chaplin for his personal life and perceived radicalism. Despite FBI evidence that Chaplin was never a communist, authorities used his British citizenship and films like The Great Dictator to build a narrative of un-Americanism. This cumulative character assassination was spearheaded by columnists like Hedda Hopper, who harbored a deep personal loathing for Chaplin. Guest: Scott Eyman. (5/8)
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