American biographical drama revolving around the life of Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. His brilliant career comes to an end when he is blacklisted in the 1940s for being a Communist. He is one of 10 screenwriters who have to to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities regarding Communist propaganda in Hollywood films. Trumbo serves 11 months in Federal Correctional Institution in Ashland, Kentucky. After being released from prison, he is still blacklisted and his finances and family life are under pressure. He has to work under a pseudonym.