Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “The Blacklist Era And Hollywood” With Film Critic Robert Horton (Photo) -06/17/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
360-993-5679 | outreach@cchmuseum.org
More info: cchmuseum.org
Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood” with Film Critic Robert Horton
Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum, in partnership with Humanities Washington and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, is proud to host acclaimed film critic and historian Robert Horton for a compelling presentation titled “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood.” The event will take place Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Battle Ground Event Center (912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation running from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required due to very limited seating.
At the height of the Cold War, a single question cast a long shadow over American cinema: “Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” This thought-provoking presentation examines the impact of the 1940s Red Scare, when the House Committee on Un-American Activities thrust actors, writers, and directors into the national spotlight, forcing them to either “name names” or face blacklisting and career ruin.
Illustrated with iconic film clips, Horton explores how patriotism, fear, and politics collided in Hollywood through the experiences of industry legends like Humphrey Bogart, Elia Kazan, and Charlie Chaplin. He concludes with a provocative question for today's audiences: Could it happen again?
Robert Horton (he/him) is a nationally respected voice in film criticism. With bylines in the Seattle Weekly, the Everett Herald, and on KUOW, he is a member of the National Society of Film Critics and author of several books, including a study of Frankenstein. Horton has also served as a Fulbright specialist, Smithsonian Journeys speaker, and educator at Seattle University and London’s Architectural Association. He currently hosts The Music and the Movies radio show and resides in Seattle.
Please note: This event will not be held at the Clark County Historical Museum.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Venue: Battle Ground Event Center
Address: 912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free (registration required)
For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.cchmuseum.org.