Ben Barzman, born in Toronto in 1910, was a screenwriter whose career was shaped by the tumultuous political landscape of his time. He penned The Boy with Green Hair (1948), a poignant exploration of identity and belonging that resonated with audiences in the post-war era. Blacklisted during the McCarthy Era, Barzman's work reflects a deep engagement with social issues, making him a significant figure in the realm of cult cinema. His ability to weave complex narratives during a time of censorship highlights the enduring power of storytelling in the face of adversity.
The Boy with Green Hair
Peter Frye, typical American boy, is orphaned when his parents are caught in the London Blitz. He is not told of their fate, but shuttled from one selfish relative to the next, ending with "Gramp," a kindly ex-vaudevillean. Peter and Gramp, both fond of "Irish bulls," get along fine; but the morning after Peter finally learns he's an orphan, his hair spontaneously turns green! The absurd over-reactions of stupid people overturn his life as the story becomes a parable.
