McCarthy

McCarthy

Power Feeds on Fear

2020 · 120 min · ★ 8.0 · Documentary, History

"McCarthy" chronicles the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin senator who came to power after a stunning victory in an election no one thought he could win. Once in office, he declared that there was a vast conspiracy threatening America — emanating not from a rival superpower, but from within. Free of restraint or oversight, he conducted a crusade against those he accused of being enemies of the state, a chilling campaign marked by groundless accusations, bullying intimidation, grandiose showmanship and cruel victimization. With lawyer Roy Cohn at his side, he belittled critics, spinning a web of lies and distortions while spreading fear and confusion. After years in the headlines, he was brought down by his own excesses and overreach. But his name lives on linked to the modern-day witch hunt we call “McCarthyism.”

Directed by Sharon Grimberg · Written by Sharon Grimberg

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Cast

Joseph McCarthy Self - (archive footage)
Donald Ritchie Self
Beverly Gage Self
Tim Naftali Self
Jelani Cobb Self
Sam Tanenhaus Self
John Madigan Self
Edward R. Murrow Self - (archive footage)
Alvin Spivak Self
Leon Kamin Self
David Lattimore Self
Dolly Plesser Self

Make it a double feature

3h 55m together

McCarthy

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