FBI File: Hollywood and J. Edgar Hoover: Investigations of Actors and Directors (via Gale Scholar Accelerate Program)

Available at : Online Access
Off-campus Access Rights : P - PolyU Staff/Students only
Terms and Conditions

J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the FBI, held a longstanding interest in the Hollywood film industry as well as deep distrust of the political left. In 1942 he ordered the bureau's Los Angeles office to report on Communist activities of various motion picture personalities, including actors, directors, producers, and writers. After WWII the investigation evolved into a sophisticated operation. Between 1944 and 1954 agents conducted extensive surveillance of suspected Communists, and assembled information used by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in an effort to purge Hollywood of Communist influence.


Important Notes:

  • Users should not use Virtual Private Network (VPN) service when accessing e-resources from off campus. This may trigger suspension of user's account.
  • For security reason, you are advised to change NetPassword regularly via IdPortal and follow the password rules. Please visit the ITS website for details.