American Reds: The Failed Revolution (2016): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2016, American Reds: The Failed Revolution is a history and documentary film directed by Richard Wormser, running about 85 minutes.

What it’s about. The documentary AMERICAN REDS provides a historical overview of 20th century Communism and the growth, decline and contemporary relevance of the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA). Since its founding in 1919, the CPUSA has championed the struggles for democracy, labor rights, women’s equality, and racial justice. During its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, it attracted millions of Americans to support its causes and almost 100,000 men and women to enlist in its ranks. The film begins with the Party's emergence as a small militant sect in the 1920s and documents its rise to the foremost radical group in the United States during the Great Depression, fighting against racism, sexism and fascism, as well as for the rights of workers to organize. It ends with the decline of the Party during the Cold War under the assaults of the FBI and anti- communist crusades.

Who’s in it. American Reds: The Failed Revolution stars Wayne June as Narrator, Gus Hall as Self/Archive Footage, Gil Green as Self and Henry Winston as Self, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch American Reds: The Failed Revolution page.

If you liked it. Fans of American Reds: The Failed Revolution tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.