The Screenwriter Who Fought Back

This week on the Labor Heritage Power Hour: We go behind the scenes of Hollywood’s Golden Age with J.E. Smyth, author of Mary C. McCall Jr.: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Screenwriter. SAG-AFTRA member Harold Phillips talks with Smyth about McCall’s groundbreaking career, her role in founding the Screen Writers Guild, and her fight for union recognition in an industry built on stars but powered by words.

Then we head to San Francisco for a preview of this year’s LaborFest, commemorating the 1934 General Strike with a month-long lineup of labor walks, films, music, and international solidarity. Organizer Steve Zeltzer shares what’s on tap this July—and why art and culture remain vital tools in the struggle for workers' rights.

Originating on WPFW 89.3FM in Washington, DC and broadcast on Pacifica Radio stations across the country.
Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant; produced by Chris Garlock; engineered by Mike Nasella & Kahlia Chapman.
The Labor Heritage Power Hour is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.