Using Primary Sources to Teach TRUMBO

[Frank W. Baker]

Why would a screenwriter not allow his real name to be used on a film script?  That question and others are posed in "Trumbo," the new film based on the life and times of Dalton Trumbo.

Dalton Trumbo was one of the blacklisted Hollywood screenwriters and his story comprises the current release "Trumbo," starring Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad").

The New York Times (online) has published a promotional website for the film which includes news stories published by the paper from the mid 1940's until 1960, time periods portrayed in the film.
The website also includes: audio from the screenwriter's testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee and a 1959 CBS News interview with Trumbo.

A lesson plan on the House Un-American Activities Commitee can also be found here.

Teachers may also be interested in the PBS "American Masters" website that profiles the writer and also includes excerpts from their doc.  The entire PBS film is also on YouTube.

The screenwriter for "Trumbo,"  John McNamara, is profiled in this feature on the Creative Screenwriting's website.