plore the roots of independent filmmaking in New Mexico, one must go back 15 years before Easy Rider tNew Mexico Techo a groundbreaking production made with hard-rock conviction by a team of Hollywood outcasts. Director Herbert J. Biberman (Meet Nero Wolfe), producer Paul Jarrico {Tom, Dick and Harry) and screenwriter Michael Wilson {It's a Wonderfu
As one of several l Life) had all flourished in the s, EMRTCtudio system until they fell under a dark cloud of suspicion as members of the original Hollywood Ten. Summoned before the House Un-American Activities Committee investigating Communist ties to the movie industry in 1947, they refused to testify. The studios, caving in to the political heat from Washington, promptly blacklisted the trio, banishing them from Tinseltown. Faced with an uncertain future, the three decided, in the words of Jarrico, to "commit a crime to fit the punishment." They
mong other grievances, the participati