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The Dramatic Story of Making “The Fountainhead” Movie

The movie adaptation of The Fountainhead was first released in theaters in July 1949, and it featured two of the era’s biggest stars, Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal. But the making of that film was itself a dramatic story. It’s a story of “how Ayn Rand sold the screen rights to The Fountainhead — without selling out.” … Continue reading The Dramatic Story of Making “The Fountainhead” Movie

Why Rand Was Right to Testify Against Hollywood Communism

In 1947, during what some call the “McCarthy Era,” Ayn Rand was asked to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) on the influence of Communism in Hollywood. She appeared as a “friendly witness.” The standard verdict on these hearings, and on Rand’s participation, is unequivocal condemnation: The hearings were an inquisition that destroyed … Continue reading Why Rand Was Right to Testify Against Hollywood Communism

The Vice of Nationalism

Nationalism is clawing its way back. At a rally last October, Donald Trump galvanized the audience by declaring himself a proud nationalist. Europe, too, is witnessing the growing influence of political parties advocating nationalism. Even as nationalism has entered the political mainstream, it remains intellectually disreputable. But Yoram Hazony, a political scholar, wants to redeem nationalism and … Continue reading The Vice of Nationalism

An Individualist Perspective on the Middle East

In three recent interviews, I examined the importance of adopting an individualist, rather than tribal or collectivized, perspective in evaluating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and understanding the Middle East. But the focus of each interview was different. On The Reed Hour podcast, I had a lively conversation with Lawrence Reed, outgoing president of the Foundation for Economic Education, about … Continue reading An Individualist Perspective on the Middle East