McCarthy
“Power Feeds on Fear”
Synopsis
"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, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
McCarthy | American Experience | PBSOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-11-18
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
PBS premiere - "American Experience"
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sharon Grimberg
- Screenplay & Story
- Sharon Grimberg
- Original Score
- Gary Lionelli
- Original Title
- McCarthy
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Production Studios
- PBS American Experience, GBH
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sharon Grimberg
Sharon Grimberg
Gary Lionelli
Jason Longo, John Baynard
Jon Neuburger
Sharon Grimberg, Melissa Martin Pollard, Jen Hickey, Mark Samels
Department Leadership Roster
Sharon Grimberg
Director
Sharon Grimberg
Producer
Melissa Martin Pollard
Producer
Sharon Grimberg
Writer
Jen Hickey
Producer
Jon Neuburger
Editor
Jason Longo
Director of Photography
John Baynard
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for McCarthy.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring McCarthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About McCarthy
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is McCarthy about?
"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.”
Who directed McCarthy?
McCarthy was directed by Sharon Grimberg.
Who stars in McCarthy?
The principal cast of McCarthy includes Joseph McCarthy, Donald Ritchie, Beverly Gage, Tim Naftali, Jelani Cobb.
When was McCarthy released and how long is it?
McCarthy was released in 2020 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.
Who composed the musical score for McCarthy?
The original motion picture soundtrack for McCarthy was composed by Gary Lionelli.