I Am Spartacus!: Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist

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I Am Spartacus!: Making a Film, Breaking the Blacklist

by Kirk Douglas, George Clooney (Foreword)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 74 ratings · 23 reviews

From Kirk Douglas, Hollywood royalty and bestselling author ofThe Ragman’s Son and My Stroke of Luck,comes the candidstory of the making ofSpartacus, the blockbuster film that broke the blacklist

One of the world’s most iconic movie stars, Kirk Douglas has distinguished himself as a producer, philanthropist, and author of ten works of fiction and memoir.Now,more than fifty...more From Kirk Douglas, Hollywood royalty and bestselling author of The Ragman’s Son and My Stroke of Luck, comes the candid story of the making of Spartacus, the blockbuster film that broke the blacklist

One of the world’s most iconic movie stars, Kirk Douglas has distinguished himself as a producer, philanthropist, and author of ten works of fiction and memoir. Now, more than fifty years after the release of his enduring epic Spartacus, Douglas reveals the riveting drama behind the making of the legendary gladiator film. Douglas began producing the movie in the midst of the politically charged era when Hollywood’s moguls refused to hire anyone accused of Communist sympathies. In a risky move, Douglas chose Dalton Trumbo, a blacklisted screenwriter, to write Spartacus. Trumbo was one of the “Unfriendly Ten,” men who had gone to prison rather than testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee about their political affiliations. Douglas’s source material was already a hot property, as the novel Spartacus was written by Howard Fast while he was in jail for defying HUAC.

With the financial future of his young family at stake, Douglas plunged into a tumultuous production both on- and off-screen. As both producer and star of the film, he faced explosive moments with young director Stanley Kubrick, struggles with a leading lady, and negotiations with giant personalities, including Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Lew Wasserman. Writing from his heart and from his own meticulously researched archives, Kirk Douglas, at ninety-five, looks back at his audacious decisions. He made the most expensive film of its era—but more importantly, his moral courage in giving public credit to Trumbo effectively ended the notorious Hollywood blacklist.

A master storyteller, Douglas paints a vivid and often humorous portrait in I Am Spartacus! The book is enhanced by newly discovered period photography of the stars and filmmakers both on and off the set.(less)

ebook, 218 pages

Published June 12th 2012 by Open Road E-riginal

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Mar 09, 2013 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, history, showbiz, politics

Excellent book. I've read several of Kirk Douglas's novels in the past and they were all very good, but this true story of the making of the 1960 movie "Spartacus" is really something special. Written by Kirk (star and co-producer) fifty years after the movie was released, this is not your average "making of" book. "Spartacus" is a great movie in its own right (starring a lot of the big stars of the time - Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, Tony Curtis and the beaut...more Excellent book. I've read several of Kirk Douglas's novels in the past and they were all very good, but this true story of the making of the 1960 movie "Spartacus" is really something special. Written by Kirk (star and co-producer) fifty years after the movie was released, this is not your average "making of" book. "Spartacus" is a great movie in its own right (starring a lot of the big stars of the time - Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, Tony Curtis and the beautiful Jean Simmons, and directed by then 31 year old Stanley Kubrick). But with its release - it made history; Kirk Douglas, risking failure for the movie and future work for those involved, particularly himself, publicly (and on the screen) gave credit to blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo for the work he had done - under his own name.

The book of "Spartacus" was written by Howard Fast while in jail for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the late 1940's. From 1947 to the release of "Spartacus" in 1960 (also that year, Otto Preminger made it known that "Exodus" was also being written by Trumbo), people suspected of being communists or having communist sympathies even decades earlier could not get work in Hollywood - or if they did, were not being given credit for it under their own names. Dalton Trumbo, one of the best and busiest screenwriters before the age of witch-hunting McCarthyism, spent eleven months in jail for refusing to testify before HUAC and later won two screenwriting Academy Awards that he couldn't collect or publicly acknowledge as his work - one ("The Brave One") given credit to "Robert Rich" (one of Dalton's pseudonyms) and the other ("Roman Holiday") given to another writer whose name went on the picture instead of his.

There are plenty of amusing behind the scenes and serious production difficulty stories - enough to make this an interesting "making of" book on its own, but the political climate of the times and the resulting impact of the screen credits make this book a very multi-dimensional read. As George Clooney says in his introduction to the book, "There's one constant that you can find to define a person's character. It's not how you perform when things are easy; it's how you handle yourself when it's tough. Everyone can be fearless and forthright when the stakes are low... but when it's your livelihood or even your life on the line, or your family's or your friend's... that's when you understand the kind of mettle you're made of". That pretty much sums it up. I highly recommend this book.

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Jun 12, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kirk Douglas is now 95, but in this book he turns his memory back to 1959 when he decided to make the film "Spartacus". This is not simply a film memoir though, as interesting as that might be, because the film had an important and historic event attached to it - the fact a blacklisted writer was given screen credit under their own name for the first time since the fears of McCarthyism.

Dalton Trumbo was one of the most respected writers in Hollywood when he went to jail in 1947 for refusing to i...more Kirk Douglas is now 95, but in this book he turns his memory back to 1959 when he decided to make the film "Spartacus". This is not simply a film memoir though, as interesting as that might be, because the film had an important and historic event attached to it - the fact a blacklisted writer was given screen credit under their own name for the first time since the fears of McCarthyism.

Dalton Trumbo was one of the most respected writers in Hollywood when he went to jail in 1947 for refusing to incriminate colleagues after he was brought before the House Un-American Activities Committee (actually before McCarthy, although that is the name best associated with the witch hunts that followed). While in another prison for similar reasons, author Howard Fast was writing the novel "Spartacus", which was later turned down by seven publishing houses as the author was blacklisted and which he ended up publishing it himself. When Dalton Trumbo was released he went to Mexico and was left having to write under assumed names.

This then is the story of Kirk Douglas discovering Howard Fast's novel and deciding that he wanted to make it into a movie. It is a tale as epic as the movie itself, as he fights a rival production, "The Gladiators", finds his cast (despite a less than enthusiastic Charles Laughton), has problems finding a leading lady, more problems finding a director, fights the censors and deals with the issues that using Dalton Trumbo as his screenplay writer causes. When Douglas decides to use Trumbo's real name on the movie credits he is the first to end the Hollywood blacklist and it is here that the main story of the book is contained. This is a very interesting read by a man who has kindly shared his memories with us and whose brave actions gave back more than one person their career. It was personally important to Dalton Trumbo, but it was an event that changed Hollywood and the film industry, which had been mired in a time of fear of paranoia since the 1940's. Lastly, I read the kindle edition of this book and it contained the illustrations. (less)

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Jul 30, 2012 Sharon Penman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just loved this book. Spartacus is one of my very favorite films, and it was fascinating to read the behind-the-scenes account of how it was made. With an all-star cast, there were a lot of healthy egos involved and Douglas has some funny stories about their elbowing. And I was intrigued to learn that he was the one who came up with the brilliant "I am Spartacus!" scene at the end of the film, and had to fight with the director to keep it in. It is also an insightful account of the blacklist a...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Ireneirenegoodman.com rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kirk Douglas is an engaging writer with something to say. It was because of his courageous decision to give Dalton Trumbo full credit as the screenwriter for Spartacus that the despicable Hollywood blacklist finally ended. Aside from the story of the end of the blacklist, this is a very entertaining read about what it was like to make a big budget movie in 1960. The script was rewritten countless times, the actors all argued over whose scenes were bigger, and the director, a young Stanley Kubric...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Kathleen Hagen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-audio

I Am Sparticus, the making of a Movie, the Breaking of the Blacklist, by Kirk Douglas, narrated by Michael Douglas, Produced by Brilliance Audio, Downloaded from audible.com.

This book narrates two major events in Kirk Douglas’ life, the blacklisting of some of the best actors and producers and screenwriters in the 1950’s, and the three-year marathon it took for him to produce Sparticus, and play the leading role. He picked some of those same talented blacklisted screenwriters to help make this m...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Jo Stallworth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

That tough guy persona? Not an act. At 95, Kirk Douglas's voice and his intellect are as clear and cogent as ever in this powerful memoir. Douglas, author of The Ragman's Son and My Stroke of Luck and the producer of Spartacus, brings his ferocious wit and keen insight to this book about the making of the film that put an end to the Hollywood Blacklist. While he explores the timeless themes of scapegoatism, integrity, and betrayal faced by the Hollywood Ten, he likens the age of McCarthyism to o...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Jim Kelsh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is a little treasure.
95 year old Kirk Douglas looks back on the time and times surrounding his producing and starring in the movie, "Spartacus".
It was the time of blacklists. Based on a novel by a blacklisted author (Howard Fast) and a screenplay by a blacklisted screenwrite (Dalton Trumbo), Douglas stuck his neck waqy out with this film.
The back stage gossip is great and the photos are unique. Kirk Douglas looks back at his own role with a open eye as to his strengths and weakness.
A...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Nathalie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: latin-classroom

Borrowed this one from Dad, and I was keen to read it since I use the first hour of this film when I teach a unit on gladiators.

The story of the original work and its inspiration (the blacklisting of the 50s) was so fascinating as was reading about the process of film making. I loved all the juicy details about Olivier, Kubrick, and Ustinov's over the top personalities and the story of Douglas' life too. The pictures from the film were just awesome.

I didn't care for his style - sometimes way too...more

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May 17, 2013 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My absolute favorite actor. I listened to the audio…Kirk’s son narrated….I knew that K Douglas took a stand for Dalton Trumbo…but I didn’t know just how important a stand this was….The McCarthy/Black List idiocy should be part of high school studies……incredibly incomprehensible what happened!

Sinatra tried to fight it…but couldn’t….but Kirk made it. You can do a lot with a movie…

What an amazing story….thank God that nasty horrendous time is over. A must read or listen.

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Sep 10, 2012 Teri Cohn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very interesting and informative look back at the Hollywood Blacklist and the important role the film "Spartacus" plyed in Hollywood history. Loved the behind the scenes, straightforward narrative. Kirk Douglas is a colorful, engaging storyteller, I felt like he was sitting across from me, telling the story directly to me.

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Sep 26, 2012 Susan added it · review of another edition

I truly enjoyed this book. I like the 95-year-old Kirk's voice as a writer. He's thoughtful and mellow, and it's fun to read his take on the brash, movie-star Kirk. The McCarthy period is one of my passions, and I learned a lot about Dalton Trumbo from this book. I recommend it.

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Sep 19, 2012 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography-memoir, history, non-fiction

This was a great memoir that gave a very personal account of the McCarthy era and the movie business. If you have enjoyed Kirk Douglas' work in film, interested in the struggles of making Spartacus, or would like to hear some great stories about the glamour-age of the film industry, you should pick up a copy of "I am Spartacus!"

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Jul 23, 2012 Michael Haspil rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The behind the scenes story of one of my favorite movies and the turbulent events that went on afterwards. The story of the creation of the film could work as a movie in its own right like RKO 281.

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Feb 10, 2013 James rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Terrific memoir of the Hollywood blacklist and making the film Spartacus. I hadn't realized that, in addition to Dalton Trumbo, Spartacus novelist Howard Fast was also on the list.

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Aug 11, 2012 Carrie Kaplowitz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent. Had some personal meaning for me as my father was amongst those blacklisted in Hollywood at the same time as the unfriendly 10. It is a quick read but I learned some things I didn't know about the blacklist. I am glad Kirk Douglas is still around to tell his story.

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Sep 06, 2012 Bob Koch rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book. Learned a little about the blacklist period of time during the 1950s, republican Joe McCarthy, Hedda Hopper (the rush limbaugh of her day), and the politics of making a movie. Also learned a lot about Kirk Douglas, 95 years young. What a guy! Took courage. Learned something about Spartacus too, the Roman slave, who led a slave revolt. I'm sure I've seen the movie years ago. Want to see it again now. Forward by George Clooney.

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Nov 27, 2012 Aaron rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a slim volume but man, Kirk Douglas was (and is) 95-years old. Anyway, it is an interesting read on the difficulty of movie-making during the immediate post-McCarthy era when the blacklist was still in effect.

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Aug 11, 2012 itmfiddler rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angsty, memoirs, nonfiction, documentary, trash, paperback

Not the best written book, but a fascinating glimpse into the making of a movie and a dark time in our countries history.

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Jul 23, 2012 Jan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So sad that some's fears suppresses other's talents. "Hyprocrisy lists" still exist and that is even more sad. Hooray for you Kirk Douglas for getting the rightful writer's name on the movie, and for telling the story of the making the film.

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Nov 23, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Enjoyed it completely Couldn't put it down

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Dec 29, 2012 Jack Neary rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a seemingly honest and fascinating account of Douglas' mounting of Howard Fast's SPARTACUS, and most especially the actor/producer's confrontation with the notorious Blacklist, and Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. It is exquisitely written. I listened to the audible book narrated by Kirk's son, Michael, which added a touch of intimacy to the story. I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in what it takes to produce a film.

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Dec 01, 2012 Giovina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

Kirk Douglas presented a bare, unvarnished account of life in Hollywood during the 1940s and beyond.
His undaunted purpose of character and the raw will to succeed propelled Mr. Douglas to a career that is in a league of his own.

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Aug 02, 2012 B Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent book - shows that Kirk Douglas' mind is still working fine at the age of 95, tells the story of the making of the movie, and shows clearly the workings and effects of the blacklist.

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May 20, 2013 Gerald Chan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 17, 2013 Steve Strait marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 10, 2013 Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) marked it as get-from-library · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, film

May 15, 2013 Jen Swayze rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 06, 2013 Daniel Staud marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Apr 28, 2013 Emily marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Apr 23, 2013 Christina Johns rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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About Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch, ) is an American stage and film actor, film producer and author. His popular films include Out of the Past (1947), Champion (1949), Ace in the Hole (1951), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), Lust for Life (1956), Paths of Glory (1957), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), The Vikings (1958), Spartacus (1960), Lonely Are the...more

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Let's Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving, and Learning

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