During a tough commercial phase for Fox, producing Oscar-caliber films such as “Laura” and “Gentleman’s Agreement” wasn’t enough to offset the underperformance of their general releases. Pressured by the need to adapt to shifting audience preferences and the rise of television, Zanuck, an advocate for CinemaScope, found the Hollywood blacklist to be another burden.
Scott Eyman’s “20th Century Fox: Darryl F. Zanuck and the Creation of the Modern Film Studio,” highlights that Zanuck’s opposition to the blacklist stemmed not from politics but from his desire for authority over employment decisions, independent of government interference.
Despite his harsh character, Zanuck respected director Jules Dassin and took radical steps to preserve his career. He personally delivered an escapade for Dassin to flee to London and begin filming ‘Night and the City,’ aiming to protect him from targeted persecution.
“Zanuck’s unexpected visit signified intense support. ‘Coming to my house was like visiting the tenements, because I lived on the wrong side of town. He said, ‘Get out. Get out fast. Here’s a book. You’re going to London. Get a screenplay as fast as you can and start shooting the most expensive scenes. Then they [the New York office] might let you finish it.’ That was ‘Night and the City’ … I really respected the guy.”
Zanuck’s insistence on casting Gene Tierney as the lead actress due to her personal crises was another distinctive stance for someone with his controversial reputation as an abuser.
FAQs About Fox’s Leading Figure and the Hollywood Blacklist
- Why did the head of Fox oppose the Hollywood blacklist?
- Zanuck opposed the blacklist because it hampered his control over who he could employ, not due to political conviction.
- How did Zanuck help Jules Dassin?
- Zanuck personally advised Dassin to leave for London and start a film project as a means to save his career from the blacklist.
- Who is Gene Tierney and why was her casting significant?
- Gene Tierier was an actress who, due to personal struggles, was encouraged by Zanuck to stay busy in acting roles, such as the female lead in ‘Night and the City,’ to help her cope.
- What was Zanuck’s reputation outside of his stance on the blacklist?
- Zanuck was known for being a harsh and uncompromising figure, with a notorious reputation as a serial sexual abuser.
Conclusion
The narrative of Fox’s head bravely standing up to the injustices of the Hollywood blacklist reveals a more complex figure than a simple hero or villain. Darryl F. Zanuck’s actions, driven by self-interest and a need for control, rather than altruism, demonstrate the nuanced motivations of industry leaders during one of Hollywood’s darkest eras. His unusual blend of predatory behavior and protective gestures towards certain artists further compounds the ambiguity around his legacy. Ultimately, Zanuck’s story is a reminder of the multifaceted nature of human behavior, particularly in times of political and social turmoil.