Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Robert De Niro | ... | ||
Annette Bening | ... | ||
George Wendt | ... |
Bunny Baxter
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Patricia Wettig | ... |
Dorothy Nolan
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Sam Wanamaker | ... |
Felix Graff
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Luke Edwards | ... |
Paulie Merrill
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Chris Cooper | ... |
Larry Nolan
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Ben Piazza | ... | ||
Martin Scorsese | ... |
Joe Lesser
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Barry Primus | ... |
Bert Alan
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Gailard Sartain | ... |
Chairman Wood
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Robin Gammell | ... |
Congressman Tavenner
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Brad Sullivan | ... |
Congressman Velde
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Tom Sizemore | ... |
Ray Karlin
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Roxann Dawson | ... |
Felicia Barron
(as Roxann Biggs)
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David Merrill (Robert De Niro), a fictitious 1950s Hollywood director, returns from filming abroad in France to find that his loyalty has been called into question by the House Committee on Un-American Activities and he is unable to work until cleared. Before being called, his highest priority had been his work to the extent of leaving his wife (Annette Bening) and son (Luke Edwards) alone for months at a time. He initially refuses to implicate others or himself in a private meeting with Roy Cohn and a studio lawyer. This decision initially to stick to his principles first leaves him unable to work in his profession, even with films and producers he never would have worked with before. Harassment by the FBI leaves him unable to work on Broadway, with advertising agencies, or even in a small film repair shop. Finally, having fallen so far, and tempted with a new offer to direct a film from his old studio (if he testifies), he agrees to go before the Committee, initially planning to ... Written by Mike Harris <mharris@injersey.com>
The film Guilty by Suspicion showed the effects of the Hollywood blacklist in true-to-life form. Not only did it deal with how friendships and families were affected during this period, but it also showed how other American's, such as teachers, were also blacklisted. Blacklisting was not only a Hollywood occurrence.
Those interested in communism in Hollywood will find the screenplay exciting and interesting, as there are hints of actual transcripts from the House Committee on Un-American Activities scattered throughout the movie. I've watched it at least three times, and I never get bored, I just pick up more and more of the realities of this time period.
The movie is not meant to be used as a way to research this time period. It is a statement movie. It is a statement about the evilness of the red scare. It is not pro-communist, but it is pro American freedom of expression.
Guilty by Suspicion is a great educational movie that is supported by a great cast, and great subplots!