Why was Norma Barzman blacklisted?

Barzman remained steadfast and unapologetic regarding her affiliation with the Communist Party from 1943 to 1949. In a 2014 interview with the L.A. Times, she asserted that one should take pride in being a member of the American Communist Party during those years, emphasizing the alliance with the Soviet Union against Hitler’s invasion as a significant factor: “Hitler was invading the Soviet Union, so there was no reason to be anti-Russian; they were our allies.”

In a revealing 2008 interview, Barzman recounted an incident where she discovered she was under surveillance, thanks to a warning from Marilyn Monroe. Monroe, en route to Judy Garland’s house, took a moment to alert Barzman about law enforcement monitoring everyone entering and leaving her residence. Sheriff’s deputies had even stopped Monroe on her way up, questioning her about her visit to Barzman’s address.

Following this unsettling revelation, Barzman and her husband embarked on a journey to England to contribute to Edward Dmytryk’s “Give Us This Day” (1949). During their stay, they received cautionary advice against returning to the U.S. due to the looming threat posed by the House Un-American Activities Committee. As anticipated, the Barzmans found themselves blacklisted.

In 1954, they purchased a home in Paris, establishing connections with luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Yves Montand, and Simone Signoret. Their return to Los Angeles was deferred by more than two decades. Barzman admitted that, over time, she became disillusioned with Communism, realizing the harsh reality of the Soviet Union. In 1964, a firsthand visit underscored the extent of its shortcomings, leading to a shift in perspective: “Ben and I went over there in 1964, and we saw with our own eyes how awful it was—and it was.”