The Hollywood Propaganda of World War II / Edition 2

by Robert Fyne

Overview

During the Second World War, over 300 Hollywood motion pictures were produced that, in one way or another, bore the propaganda imprimatur. These popular movies — and they consistently glorified the achievements of the American fighting man while vilifying all the members of the Axis pact — and fostered morale on the Home Front and stood as tangible reminders that Old Glory, mom, apple pie, and the St. Louis Browns would emerge victorious from this global conflict. But how successful was Hollywood's effort?

Citing numerous examples of flag-waving dialogue, Professor Fyne has produced an in-depth study that examines these WWII movies, analyzing many motifs, stereotypes, fiction-as-fact, distortions, and prevarications that permeate this genre. His book lists the ten best titles of the war and discusses such topics as the World War I influence, the different approaches toward the Italian, German, and Japanese military machines, the glorification of the Soviet forces, the image of the Chinese nationals, the light-hearted B-comedies, musicals, and Westerns, plus the American GI's inner frustration with his fabricated photoplay image. For historians, film watchers, or social commentators, this book, complete with elaborate filmography, offers important information about Hollywood's role in shaping the Home Front mores.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810833104
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/06/1997
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.55(w) x 8.54(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Robert Fyne (Ph.D., New York University) is an associate professor of English at Kean University. He has delivered several papers on wartime propaganda and is the author of several articles which have appeared in such journals as Film Library Quarterly, Literature/Film Quarterly, and The Journal of Popular Film and Television. He currently serves as the book review editor for Film & History and is the author of Long Ago and Far Away: Hollywood and the Second World War (Scarecrow, 2008).

Editorial Reviews

The film summaries in the appendix are a handy reference source.

Historical Journal of Film

...lively and engaging...narrative is both informal and delightful....general appeal.

Film & History: An Interdisciplinary Journal

...a fine overview of a movement that contributed to the war effort...

Films In Review

...a fine overview of a movement that contributed to the war effort...--Films In Review

The film summaries in the appendix are a handy reference source.--Historical Journal of Film, Radio, & Television

...lively and engaging...narrative is both informal and delightful....general appeal.--Film & History: An Interdisciplinary Journal

From the Publisher

...lively and engaging...narrative is both informal and delightful....general appeal.

Film & History: An Interdisciplinary Journal

The film summaries in the appendix are a handy reference source.

Historical Journal Of Film Radio & Television

The film summaries in the appendix are a handy reference source.

Historical Journal Of Film

...a fine overview of a movement that contributed to the war effort...

Films in Review

...lively and engaging...narrative is both informal and delightful....general appeal.

Film & History

Analyzes WWII Hollywood propaganda movies and their motifs, stereotypes, distortions, and prevarications. Discusses WWI influence, the glorification of the Soviet forces, the image of Chinese nationals, and genres such as comedies and Westerns. Includes b&w photos, a filmography, and a chronological listing of films. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews