Ep 1. Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan, and the Blacklist

In American Masters season 18 episode 1, titled "Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan, and the Blacklist," viewers are taken on a journey through the tumultuous era of the 1950s when the House Un-American Activities Committee accused many Hollywood writers and directors of having Communist ties. Among those caught up in the scandal were famed playwright Arthur Miller and director Elia Kazan, both of whom had been friends and creative partners.

The episode begins with a look at the early lives of Miller and Kazan, exploring their formative years and how they came to meet. It then delves into their collaborations, including their work on the Tony Award-winning play "Death of a Salesman" and the film adaptation of the same name.

The darkest chapter of their careers is also examined in detail, as the episode explores the impact of the Red Scare and the blacklist on Miller and Kazan. Both men were called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee, and their refusal to name names of suspected Communist sympathizers led to public backlash and ruined reputations. The episode examines the personal toll that the experience had on both men, as well as their professional trajectories in the years that followed.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from a range of experts and historians on the topic, as well as from Miller and Kazan themselves through archival footage and interviews. Family members, peers, and colleagues also offer their insights into the lives and careers of these two giants of American theater and film.

Ultimately, "Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan, and the Blacklist" is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of a crucial moment in American history, as well as a tribute to two visionary artists who refused to compromise their principles. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the arts, politics, and the intersection of the two.