Co-founder of the National Guardian, a progressive news publication, and a prominent journalist and author who reported on significant events of the 20th century. Known for his in-depth coverage of the Cold War and McCarthyism era.
Cedric Belfrage, a pioneering English film critic, journalist, and writer, is best remembered as the co-founder of the radical US weekly National Guardian. His groundbreaking work as a double agent for British Security Coordination, while being referenced as a Soviet agent in the US intelligence Venona project, has left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and politics.
Born on November 8, 1904, in Marylebone, London, Cedric Henning Belfrage was the son of Sydney Henning Belfrage and Frances Grace (née Powley). He received his education at Greshams School, before entering Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he had the same room as the renowned playwright Christopher Marlowe had in the 16th century.
While still a Cambridge student, Belfrage began his writing career as a film critic, with his first article published in Kinematograph Weekly in 1924. In 1927, he journeyed to Hollywood, where he was hired by the New York Sun and Film Weekly as a correspondent. Upon his return to London in 1930, he became Sam Goldwyn's press agent.
In the 1930s, Belfrage became increasingly involved in political activism, joining the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League and co-editing the left-wing literary magazine, The Clipper. He decided to make the United States his home and took out first papers for citizenship in 1937, although he failed to complete the process within the statutory seven-year time limit.
Belfrage joined the Communist Party USA in 1937, but withdrew his membership a few months later. He maintained a friendly but critical relationship with the party, describing himself as a "fellow traveler" outside party membership and discipline. Despite his non-membership, he remained a believer that the Communist Party functioned as the core of the radical movement.
During World War II, Belfrage worked as a double agent for British Security Coordination, while being referenced as a Soviet agent in the US intelligence Venona project. This complex and intriguing aspect of his life has sparked intense debate and speculation, cementing his legacy as a radical and enigmatic figure.
Belfrage's pioneering work in journalism, film criticism, and political activism has left an indelible mark on modern society. His legacy extends beyond his radical views and double agency, inspiring generations of writers, activists, and thinkers. Through his courageous and unapologetic stance, he has shown that even the most unconventional paths can lead to profound impact and lasting change.
Belfrage's life and work exist at the intersection of radical politics, journalism, and film criticism, serving as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and courageous action. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience.
Through his remarkable life, Cedric Belfrage has proven that even the most unlikely individuals can make a profound impact on the world. As a writer, activist, and double agent, he has left behind a rich and complex legacy, forever changing the landscape of journalism, politics, and beyond.
Born in 1907
Investigative journalist and author who exposed government secrets and corruption through meticulous research and fearless reporting, inspiring generations of journalists.
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