Morris Carnovsky

Morris Carnovsky was an American actor famous for both his film and broadway career. Carnovsky was born in St. Louis, MO in 1897 and attended St. Louis' Washington University. Following his graduation Carnovsky made his way to New York, and joined the influential Theater Guild, making his mark on acting by staring as Kublai Khan in 'Marco Millions'. It is in New York that Carnovsky became a member of the Group Theatre, a left-wing theatrical group that cultivated the Method style of acting, later to be used and popularized by stars like Marlon Brando. Carnovsky remained an active member of the Group until its dissolution in 1940, and acted in numerous Group and non-Group broadway productions throughout the 1930's. 

 

(Carnovsky's composite photo from the Group Theatre)

Following the dissolution of the Group Theatre Carnovsky relocated to Los Angeles to launch his film career, and made his debut in 'The Life of Emile Zola' playing the supporting role to Paul Muni. He later became known for his ability to portray deep or troubled characters, and played major roles in 1943's "Edge of Darkness", 1945's "Rhapsody in Blue", and 1947's "Dead Reckoning". While in Los Angeles Carnovsky became an active member of the Hollywood Communist Party and was known for holding Marxist study groups at his home. 

 (Carnovsky as Martinelli in Dead Reckoning)

Amid the Red Scare pouring through the United States at this time, the House Un-American Activities Commission was established to investigate communist activities. In 1950 Carnovsky was brought before the House Un-American Activities Commission for his communist affiliations, where he refused to name the names of other active members and thinkers within both the Hollywood circle and the New York Circle. His unwillingness to aid in investigation led to Carnovsky being blacklisted in Hollywood, essentially ending his film career as he was unable to find casting in any films. Interestingly Hollywood blacklists did not extend to stage acting on Broadway, leading to Carnovsky returning to New York to continue his acting career during the 1950's and 1960's.