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McCarthy

"Power Feeds on Fear"

"McCarthy" chronicles the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin senator who came to power after a stunning victory in an election no one thought he could win. Once in office, he declared that there was a vast conspiracy threatening America — emanating not from a rival superpower, but from within. Free of restraint or oversight, he conducted a crusade against those he accused of being enemies of the state, a chilling campaign marked by groundless accusations, bullying intimidation, grandiose showmanship and cruel victimization. With lawyer Roy Cohn at his side, he belittled critics, spinning a web of lies and distortions while spreading fear and confusion. After years in the headlines, he was brought down by his own excesses and overreach. But his name lives on linked to the modern-day witch hunt we call “McCarthyism.”

Top Cast

  • Joseph McCarthy

    Joseph McCarthy

    Self - (archive footage)

  • Donald Ritchie

    Donald Ritchie

    Self

  • Beverly Gage

    Beverly Gage

    Self

  • Tim Naftali

    Tim Naftali

    Self

  • Jelani Cobb

    Jelani Cobb

    Self

  • Sam Tanenhaus

    Sam Tanenhaus

    Self

  • John Madigan

    John Madigan

    Self

  • Edward R. Murrow

    Edward R. Murrow

    Self - (archive footage)

  • Alvin Spivak

    Alvin Spivak

    Self

Overview

"McCarthy" chronicles the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin senator who came to power after a stunning victory in an election no one thought he could win. Once in office, he declared that there was a vast conspiracy threatening America — emanating not from a rival superpower, but from within. Free of restraint or oversight, he conducted a crusade against those he accused of being enemies of the state, a chilling campaign marked by groundless accusations, bullying intimidation, grandiose showmanship and cruel victimization. With lawyer Roy Cohn at his side, he belittled critics, spinning a web of lies and distortions while spreading fear and confusion. After years in the headlines, he was brought down by his own excesses and overreach. But his name lives on linked to the modern-day witch hunt we call “McCarthyism.”

Trailers & Clips

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