In this historical documentary, the son of red-baited Hollywood actor J. Edward Bromberg tells the story of his father's difficult life. In June 1951, the Hungarian immigrant who had once been a member of the American Communist Party found himself taking congressional heat for that past, even though he no longer associated with the party and had not been charged with espionage or any other crime.
The House Committee on Un-American Activities put 320 people on the infamous Black List, effectively ending their careers. In an ironic twist to the committee's effort to stamp out communists, they trampled over Constitutional rights enshrined as examples of America's superiority over the Soviet system. Bromberg fled to London, where he died of a heart attack in exile. Looking back at his life, he never really settled down in one place he could call home. It's a sad story, and his son Conrad Bromberg carries this weight with a heavy tone throughout the narration of Witch Hunt.
The U.S. Constitution evolved out of centuries of conflict. It is designed to protect citizens against abuses of power. When an individual is targeted for political persecution, the system isn't to blame when people cynically twist the law for their own perceived gain. You can watch the trailer here: Witch Hunt Trailer
