The House Un-American Committee's (HUAC) investigation of communist subversion in Hollywood resulted in the blacklisting of 12 artists during the early 1950s. 1976's "The Front," set in the early 1950s, was written (Walter Bernstein), Directed and Produced (Martin Ritt)by former blacklisted talents. The film also stars several actors who were blacklisted John Randolph, Lloyd Gough, Joshua Shelley, Herschel Bernardi, and, most notably, Zero Mostel. Woody Allen stars as a restaurant cashier whose elementary school chum is a screenwriter who's being blacklisted for subversion. He approaches Allen, who agrees to put his name on scripts for a share of the profits. Soon Allen begins fronting for many blacklisted writers. Mostel plays the star of the television show who is being hounded by HUAC for his past activities. The mix of Allen, Mostel, and HUAC makes for a stunning picture. In the post 9/11 patriotic fervor, this movie is increasingly relevant.

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