Helen Slote Levitt was on her way to the good life in 1950s Hollywood. Then one day, her name appeared on a list. The story of an ordinary woman whose world was upended by extraordinary times.
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07/15/21 • 34 min
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Revisionist History - The Judgment of Helen Levitt
Transcript Summary
In this intriguing episode titled "The Judgment of Helen Levitt," the UCLA Library unveils a captivating seven-hour interview with Helen Levitt and her husband, shedding light on their extraordinary lives. Growing up in middle-class Jewish Brooklyn, Helen joined the Young Communist League in the 1930s before moving to Los Angeles and joining the Hollywood branch of the Communist Party. Despite supporting Stalin's regime, they faced repercussions during the Cold War, enduring blacklisting and difficulty finding work in show business. However, their resilience and unwavering spirit prevailed as they persevered under assumed names and fought for causes they believed in. Through their story, we witness the immense challenges they faced yet still managed to lead fulfilling lives. Discover the captivating journey of Helen Levitt, an intelligent, compassionate individual who defied odds and inspired others through her unwavering spirit and resilience.
Transcript
Pushkin. In the archives of UCLA's Library, there is a remarkable seven hour interview conducted in nineteen eighty eight with a woman named Helen Slote Leavitt, along with a separate interview with Helen's husband, Al love It, each conversation spanning an extraordinary period, the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement. What I'd like you to start with is your biographical background went on where you wer
The Judgment of Helen Levitt Top Questions Answered
What is the House Unamerican Activities Committee?
The House Unamerican Activities Committee was a committee in the United States that targeted individuals suspected of having ties to the Communist Party during the Cold War.
How did the House Unamerican Activities Committee impact Hollywood?
The House Unamerican Activities Committee targeted screenwriters and movie stars in Hollywood suspected of having Communist ties, forcing them to testify, and blacklisting those who refused. This led to financial hardships and difficulties finding work for many in the industry.
Who were the Levitts?
The Levitts were a couple in Hollywood who were called to testify before the House Unamerican Activities Committee and were subsequently blacklisted due to their suspected Communist ties.
How did the Levitts find work after being blacklisted?
After being blacklisted, the Levitts found work under assumed names and became active in the Writers Guild, advocating for black screenwriters.
What role did the Levitts play during the writer's strike in 1981?
During the writer's strike in 1981, the Levitts organized first aid workers by utilizing their knowledge of CPR, showing their involvement in labor activism.
What were Helen Levitt's views on pursuing smaller causes?
Helen Levitt found value in pursuing smaller and more ordinary causes, caring for others, and giving a voice to marginalized groups.
Who interviewed Helen Slote Leavitt and Al Leavitt?
Helen Slote Leavitt and Al Leavitt were interviewed by historian Larry Seplaire in 1988.
What was Helen Levitt's background?
Helen Levitt grew up in a middle-class Jewish family in Brooklyn during the Great Depression.
What led the Levitts to leave the Communist Party?
The Levitts left the Communist Party after Nikita Khrushchev's secret speech denouncing Stalin in 1956.
Does Helen Levitt express remorse for her beliefs?
Helen Levitt expresses no remorse or regrets for her beliefs during the time she was a member of the Communist Party.
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