Fellow Traveller (10 Feb. 1991)

In Hollywood during the 1950's, screenwriter Asa Kaufman reflects on his Communist associations and knows that he will soon be forced to testify before committees investigating "Un-American... See full summary »

Director:

Philip Saville

Writer:

Michael Eaton

Stars:

Ron Silver, Hart Bochner, Imogen Stubbs

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Ron Silver	...	Asa Kaufman
Hart Bochner	...	Clifford Byrne
Imogen Stubbs	...	Sarah Atchison
Daniel J. Travanti	...	Jerry Leavy
Katherine Borowitz	...	Joan Kaufman
Jonathan Hyde	...	Sheriff of Nottingham (Robin Hood cast)
Alexander Hanson	...	Robin Hood (Robin Hood cast)
John Labanowski	...	Little John (Robin Hood cast)
Peter Corey	...	Friar Tuck (Robin Hood cast)
Briony McRoberts	...	Maid Marian (Robin Hood cast)
Julian Fellowes	...	D'Arcy
Richard Wilson	...	Sir Hugo Armstrong
Doreen Mantle	...	Landlady
David O'Hara	...	Ronnie Wilson
Allan Mitchell	...	Ted Sturton

Storyline

In Hollywood during the 1950's, screenwriter Asa Kaufman reflects on his Communist associations and knows that he will soon be forced to testify before committees investigating "Un-American" activities. He can no longer find employment in Hollywood anyway, so decides to flee to England and get work there writing children's TV. Soon after arriving, he hears that his best friend since childhood, actor Clifford Byrne, has committed suicide. Asa is sure that this is related to the witch-hunts, and has to find out exactly what the relation is.

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Plot Keywords:

hollywood | mccarthyism

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Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 February 1991 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

References The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955)

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Soundtracks

"Song About Pavlik Morozo"
(uncredited)
Music by Ferenc Szabó
Lyrics by Sergei Mikhalkov

User Reviews

A more complete depiction of the period and the pressures on artists than ever before seen

Seeing adult reactions through the eyes of a child left many unexplained mysteries of the McCarthy era. Friends who grew up in the shadow of the Hollywood blacklist in Los Angeles say that in spite of its flaws, FELLOW TRAVELER provided a perspective they themselves couldn't see at that time.

The movie's only weaknesses were its awkward transitions between time periods and the uneven sound track (sometimes too loud, sometimes too soft) which distracted from the narrative flow. The story itself was told in an honest and well-balanced manner giving both the position of those passionate left-wing activists along with the approaches of the people whose direction they followed.

As a made-for TV movie, FELLOW TRAVELER was probably not widely viewed. I'd strongly recommend it be sought out as a video rental or in bargain bins for anyone seeking a good dramatic portrayal of that tragic but intense period.