Watch Guilty of Treason
- NR
- 1950
- 1 hr 26 min
-
6.0 (242)
Guilty of Treason is a 1950 American drama film directed by Felix Feist and starring Charles Bickford, Bonita Granville, and Paul Kelly. The movie is based on a true story of the former leader of the Communist Party in the United States, Earl Browder, who was charged with perjury for lying about his party membership. The story follows Browder, played by Bickford, as he rises to the top of the Communist Party in America, only to fall from grace when he becomes embroiled in a government investigation into communist activity. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the conflict between personal ideology and the greater good.
Bickford's performance as Browder is the standout of the film. He is able to convey the character's charisma and determination, but also his vulnerabilities and self-doubt. Granville plays Browder's wife, and Kelly plays the government prosecutor who is determined to bring him to justice.
The film is tense and suspenseful, as Browder's testimony in court could potentially implicate thousands of fellow communists. Throughout the trial, Browder's loyalty to his party and his country are called into question, and the audience is left to contemplate where they would stand in a similar situation.
The film succeeds in depicting the paranoia and fear that permeated American society during the Red Scare. It presents a nuanced view of the communist movement in America, treating its supporters as complex individuals with their own ideals and motivations.
Guilty of Treason is a well-crafted and thought-provoking drama that still resonates today. The film is a stark reminder of the dangers of blindly following an ideology, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even when it means going against the norms of society.
Guilty of Treason is a 1950 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.