MovieChat Forums > Trumbo (2015) Discussion > Edward G Robinson Slandered

Edward G Robinson Slandered

posted 8 years ago by mikewrites-428-753003
6 replies | jump to latest

In the otherwise very good TRUMBO, I must take issue with one element. It is shown that Edward G. Robinson re-cants his left-wing sympathies and NAMES NAMES. It is a matter of historical fact Robinson NEVER NAMED ANYONE in his testimony, although he did repudiate his former involvements. This 'naming' episode becomes a key extended sequence in the film and it is little more than slander. It is a shame that a film that carries a message of truth could so badly distort the historical record in such a way--it's a cheap shot at a dead man and it is a lie.

[–] doughazelrigg 8 years ago

Agreed. Too many films, such as JFK and Sully, take liberties with the historical record for the sake of artistic license. One could include Spartacus in that list LOL

[–] funkyfry 8 years ago

I agree, that was a serious problem with this film. They made out Edward G. Robinson to be like Elia Kazan, and that's a lie. For the truth about Robinson, Steven J. Ross's book "Hollywood Left and Right: How Movie Stars Shaped American Politics" has a very full account.

Did I not love him, Cooch? MY OWN FLESH I DIDN'T LOVE BETTER!!! But he had to say 'Nooooooooo'

[–] Steamboy 8 years ago

It's far from being a very good movie. One reason indeed is what they did with Edward G Robinson. But every famous people apart Trumbo and Hopper looked pretty much like an imbecile, the casting choices were atrocious. If you've seen a film with Robinson, you know he had 10 times more charisma than the guy they picked to portray him, same with Kirk Douglas or director Preminger who sounded like a bull with no brains.

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[–] KBiker (1020) 6 years ago

Robinson did, in fact, name names. The original Wikipedia page that claimed he DID NOT was later amended to include the following: "According to the transcript of a hearing on April 30, 1952, Robinson gave the following testimony: "Well, you had Albert Maltz, and you have Dalton Trumbo..."

So the movie was accurate, at least in regards to Robinson's testimony.

[–] slimone (7996) 5 years ago

Edward G. Robinson was a snitch wasn't he? At least the film portrayed him that way.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

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