Obituary – Cause of Death : Norma Barzman, McCarthy-Era Blacklisted Screenwriter, Dies at 103

Norma Barzman, a prominent screenwriter who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, has passed away at the age of 103. Her death was announced by George Roussos on Twitter, where he shared a picture of Barzman and provided a brief overview of her life and accomplishments.

Barzman became known for her courage and determination in standing up against the oppressive political climate of the McCarthy era. She was one of the many artists and intellectuals who were targeted and blacklisted for their alleged communist sympathies. Despite facing immense professional and personal challenges, Barzman never wavered in her commitment to her beliefs and principles.

Born on September 15, 1917, in New York City, Barzman grew up with a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in politics. She attended Cornell University, where she studied English literature and theater. After graduating, she moved to Hollywood in the 1940s to pursue her career in the film industry.

Barzman quickly made a name for herself as a talented screenwriter, working on several notable films. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she and her husband, Ben Barzman, were accused of having communist ties during the height of the Red Scare. As a result, they were both blacklisted and found themselves unable to work in Hollywood.

Despite the hardships they faced, Barzman and her husband refused to be silenced. They moved to France, where they continued their writing careers under pseudonyms. Barzman also found solace in penning her memoir, “The Red and the Blacklist: The Intimate Memoir of a Hollywood Expatriate.” The book served as a powerful testament to her experiences and the injustices of the McCarthy era.

Throughout her life, Barzman remained an outspoken advocate for free speech and the rights of artists. She never shied away from expressing her opinions and fighting for justice. One of her most significant acts of protest was speaking out against the decision to award an honorary Oscar to director Elia Kazan in 1998. Barzman believed that Kazan, who had testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, betrayed his colleagues and contributed to the culture of fear and censorship.

Norma Barzman’s legacy is one of resilience and bravery. She stood up against a repressive system and fought for the rights of artists and intellectuals. Her unwavering commitment to her beliefs serves as an inspiration to all those who value freedom of expression. Barzman’s contributions to the film industry and her memoir will continue to shed light on the dark period of McCarthyism and remind us of the importance of standing up for our principles.

While the cause of Norma Barzman’s death has not been disclosed, her life and accomplishments will be remembered for years to come. She leaves behind a powerful legacy that serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for justice..

Norma Barzman, Screenwriter Who Was Blacklisted During McCarthy Era, Dies at 103.
Spoke out in protest when Elia Kazan, was given an honorary Oscar in 1998 & she authored “The Red and the Blacklist: The Intimate Memoir of a Hollywood Expatriate,”
pic.twitter.com/gSIbO1sJKX

— George Roussos (@baphometx) December 19, 2023

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@baphometx said Norma Barzman, Screenwriter Who Was Blacklisted During McCarthy Era, Dies at 103. Spoke out in protest when Elia Kazan, was given an honorary Oscar in 1998 & she authored “The Red and the Blacklist: The Intimate Memoir of a Hollywood Expatriate,” variety.com/2023/film/news…