The "Hollywood Ten" refers to a group of ten screenwriters and directors in the film industry who were blacklisted in the late 1940s. They were cited for contempt of Congress after refusing to answer questions about their alleged communist affiliations during hearings by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). This event was part of a broader anti-communist movement in the United States. The members of the Hollywood Ten included notable figures like Alfred Levitt and Dalton Trumbo. Their refusal to cooperate led to significant consequences, including jail time and a ban from working in Hollywood. This incident highlighted the intense political climate of the era and the impact of the Red Scare on American culture.