Fellow Traveller (1989)

Fellow Traveller Poster

In the Golden Age of Hollywood, two men had it all; one was a top screenwriter, the other a film idol. But when the witch hunts of McCarthyism swept into Tinseltown, it drove one out of the country and the other to suicide.

Overview
"Fellow Traveller" is a British film released in 1989, directed by Philip Saville. The story is a distinct mix of history, drama, and romance, set versus the backdrop of the Hollywood blacklisting during the mid-20th century. It was written by Michael Eaton and starred leading actors like Ron Silver, Hart Bochner, and Imogen Stubbs. The movie skillfully combines genuine historic occasions with fictional components to produce an appealing narrative and is noted for both its cinematic qualities and its political statement.

Plot Summary
"Fellow Traveller" centres on Asa Kaufman (played by Ron Silver), an effective Hollywood film writer whose career is threatened throughout the McCarthy period due to his supposed communist associations. Amid the emerging environment of fear and worry in 1950s America, Kaufman finds himself blacklisted, requiring him to look for refuge and work in England under a pseudonym.

While in England, Kaufman fulfills the character of Junior (Imogen Stubbs), a having a hard time English starlet. He begins to write scripts for a children's television show featuring a character named Robbie the Robot, which turns out to be a hit. On the other hand, Kaufman's pal Clifford Byrne (Hart Bochner), who initially assisted him get away the United States, is summoned to testify prior to your house Unamerican Activities Committee.

Styles
The film checks out a range of styles, with a considerable focus on the damaging power of political fear and paranoia. At its core, "Fellow Traveller" attempts to illustrate the repercussions of being blacklisted and the constraints it places on human flexibility and creativity. It manages the precarious balance in between the individual and the political, with Kaufman's journey efficiently revealing the cost of ideological coercion.

Performances and Direction
Ron Silver offers a compelling performance as Asa Kaufman, completely portraying a guy striving to maintain his stability and passion within an environment of hysteria and manipulation. Imogen Stubbs and Hart Bochner likewise deliver strong performances, adding depth to their characters and the story.

Philip Saville's instructions makes sure the story's intricacy is managed with care, handling to stabilize numerous strands of the story without it appearing convoluted. His representation of the Hollywood blacklisting period is both insightful and compelling.

Crucial Reception
"Fellow Traveller" got combined evaluations from critics. Some reviewers praised its political commentary and performances, particularly Silver's representation of Kaufman. Others, nevertheless, discovered the narrative rather disjointed. The movie has been credited for clarifying a dark period in Hollywood's history and for its poignant exploration of the individual and expert expenses of political injustice.

Conclusion
"Fellow Traveller" is a striking reflection on the Hollywood blacklisting era and its effect on the lives of those involved. Despite some criticisms of the plot, the film is distinguished by compelling efficiencies and an interesting mix of history and drama. Its exploration of political ideologies, fear, and individual stability makes it a noteworthy entrant in the category of historical drama.

Top Cast

  • Ron Silver (small)
    Ron Silver
    Asa Kaufman
  • Imogen Stubbs (small)
    Imogen Stubbs
    Sarah Aitchison
  • Daniel J. Travanti (small)
    Daniel J. Travanti
    Jerry Leavy
  • Hart Bochner (small)
    Hart Bochner
    Clifford Byrne
  • Katherine Borowitz (small)
    Katherine Borowitz
    Joan Kaufman
  • Alexander Hanson (small)
    Alexander Hanson
    'Robin Hood'
  • Jonathan Hyde (small)
    Jonathan Hyde
    'Sheriff of Nottingham'
  • John Labanowski
    'Little John'
  • Peter Corey
    'Friar Tuck'
  • Briony McRoberts (small)
    Briony McRoberts
    'Maid Marian'
  • Doreen Mantle (small)
    Doreen Mantle
    Landlady