The Skirball's latest exhibit takes a timely look at a dark moment in Hollywood's history.

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare explores the history and impact of the Hollywood Red Scare and its contemporary implications for civil liberties, propaganda, and shifting definitions of American patriotism.

About the exhibit: in October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee called on Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of Communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found evidence of this, the film industry responded by becoming the first mass employer to adopt a blacklist against employees whose political beliefs ran counter to prevailing ideals.

The Skirball exhibit shines a spotlight on the proceedings, investigations, motives, and choices of those caught in the crosshairs - including the many Jewish creatives and executives who suffered under and enforced the blacklist.

Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare is a specially ticketed exhibition; timed-entry tickets required, (general museum admission included).   The exhibit and museum admission is free to all on Thursdays.