Surrounded by Nazis in The Mortal Storm (1940). Image: Viewer Views
Stories about fighting fascists always make for fascinating movies.
Look at the legendary Casablanca (1942), for instance, or the low-key but surprisingly tense The Mortal Storm (1940). Like many Hollywood war films of the early 1940s, these productions have interesting characters, engaging stories, and no small amount of trepidation.
Such films were more than just entertainment. As author Jacqueline T. Lynch writes, “We sometimes forget today…that the angst depicted in these films was real.”
In her new book, Hollywood Fights Fascism, Lynch examines Hollywood’s response to fascism, both in Europe during WWII and, later, on American soil. The goal of the book, she says, is to “examine how fascism starts, how it spreads, and what do we do about it.”
She warns we can’t be complacent about fascism today, or dismiss it as something that could never happen in North America.
In Hollywood Fights Fascism, Lynch methodically examines anti-fascist movies with her trademark insight and empathy. She looks at feature films, documentaries, and animated shorts.
The sheer variety of films she’s dug up is remarkable, such as How to Fly the B-26 Airplane (1944). (Lynch wryly notes, “[I]f you can stick to watching it, you will most certainly know how to fly a B-26 airplane.”)
She also puts the films in historical perspective. [T]hese films were never intended to be documentaries,” she writes, “only stories reflective of their times.”
It’s clear Lynch loves movies as much as she loves her country. This book is not only a labour of love, it’s also as a wake-up call for her countrymen to not take democratic and individual freedoms for granted.
It’s a sober and fascinating read, although we do have one criticism: We feel this book is too narrow in focus.
A self-serving potential leader in A Face in the Crowd (1957). Image: Memphis Flyer
Lynch notes, “Fascists always eat their own.” There’s no disputing this, but it’s also true of those on the other end of the political spectrum, e.g. Joseph Stalin, whose policies regarding free speech and political opposition mirrored those of Adolph Hitler.
However, the stated goal of this book is to examine Hollywood’s responses to the extreme right, not the extreme left.
Even so, Hollywood Fights Fascism is so focused on the current political situation in the United States, it misses an opportunity to be more universal in scope.
Political oppression is deadly in any part of the world, and those who challenge it are courageous souls indeed. That’s why their stories need to be told on screen and examined in books like the one Lynch has written.
Therefore, the narrow focus of this book could make it seem quickly outdated, which does the material a disservice. The principles Lynch outlines are timeless; we fear this book could be easily overlooked or dismissed once the current American political situation has settled.
And that would be a shame, because Lynch gives us a truly inspiring and helpful collection of essays.
Fighting for freedom in The Seventh Cross (1944). Image: The Times
We’re a big fan of Lynch’s writing. She’s funny and smart, and sometimes her words are so lyrical they almost sing.
She challenges you to evaluate not only the movies themselves, but also, perhaps, the political environment in your area.
As for the wartime films themselves, Lynch says we shouldn’t judge them too harshly, or view them with a strictly 21st-Century lens. Don’t forget, as she reminds us, “the Allies were losing for much of the war.”
If you’re a film or history buff – or a civic-minded individual – we recommend this analysis of a Hollywood that championed stories of ordinary people standing against the tyranny of their time.
‡
Notes
Disclosure: We begged author Jacqueline T. Lynch for a copy so we could review this book.
You can purchase a copy of Hollywood Fights FascismHERE.
I really want to read this, and it’s going on the TBR list when I’m done here. I agree, this is a fascinating subject, one that I think about. It was Myrna’s autobiography that got me thinking about it again this time. It sounds like Jacqueline has done it justice too…..I’m just so exhausted right now from the state of our political disaster and COVID, so I’m gonna put this off for a few months. I’m so glad you “begged” to read this, Ruth, I may never have heard of it otherwise. It’s definitely something I need to read….Thank you.
We are forever quoting him too! Hahahaha, omg, Oscar. Jackass! LMAO. Thank goodness for Emma! We own the whole thing on DVD too, and it gets watched a lot. Wanda was crashing funerals with Oscar in the one I just watched….I love everyone in this show. I got back on Twitter largely because I missed Nancy Robertson and Brent, lol.
Wow, this sounds fascinating, and reminded me of a research I made last year focusing on war movies from both WWI and WWII times. Also, this books seems lik the ideal thing to be showcased at our Cine Suffragette. Thanks for leaving Jacqueline’s website here, I’ll get in touch with her.
Kisses!
Enjoyed your review and have read Jacqueline’s insightful blog for years. However, if her book comments on the current political climate at all, it’s probably not for me. Not right now, at least. I’m still recovering from political fatigue!
I suppose all dictators are cut from the same cloth, regardless of economic policies… I hope there will be a day when people aren’t burdened with these types of leaders any more.
As for Corner Gas, I have watched that series a zillion times. It always puts me in the mood for chili cheese dogs…
Great post! I am a History graduate, and I wish could have studied this kind of thing at University. Cinema is a powerful tool for communication – and propaganda.
Silver Screenings 
Certainly sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for your balanced review.
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Thanks! The aithor makes some excellent points – she has a lot of insight, and she’s a terrific writer, too.
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Wow! I’ve got to read this one.
The author herself sounds amazing.
Thanks for this review! 🙂
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Thanks, Debbi. I could hardly put this book down, it’s so engrossing.
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So grateful you chose my book to review, Ruth. Thank you for your insightful comments, I really appreciate it.
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Thanks for the opportunity, Jaqueline. I always enjoy your writing.
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I really want to read this, and it’s going on the TBR list when I’m done here. I agree, this is a fascinating subject, one that I think about. It was Myrna’s autobiography that got me thinking about it again this time. It sounds like Jacqueline has done it justice too…..I’m just so exhausted right now from the state of our political disaster and COVID, so I’m gonna put this off for a few months. I’m so glad you “begged” to read this, Ruth, I may never have heard of it otherwise. It’s definitely something I need to read….Thank you.
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Americans have really been up against it this year, it seems to me. I marvel that anyone has been able to keep their sense of humour.
About the book: It’s well written and has a lot of research. I always learn from Jaqueline’s works – I feel like I should be paying her tuition!
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Haha! Based on the other things I’ve read of hers, yeah, she is a fountain of knowledge for sure. I love this kind of thing.
It’s been terrible. Our history, and that of other countries, tells us we should know better. But who am I?
(My secret weapon for a dose of laughter: Corner Gas. I keep binging it and it helps. A lot. I still laugh out loud every episode.) 😉
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Get. Out. You watch Corner Gas? It’s one of my faves! I own the entire series on DVD. We quote Oscar all the time in our housr.
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We are forever quoting him too! Hahahaha, omg, Oscar. Jackass! LMAO. Thank goodness for Emma! We own the whole thing on DVD too, and it gets watched a lot. Wanda was crashing funerals with Oscar in the one I just watched….I love everyone in this show. I got back on Twitter largely because I missed Nancy Robertson and Brent, lol.
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Wow, this sounds fascinating, and reminded me of a research I made last year focusing on war movies from both WWI and WWII times. Also, this books seems lik the ideal thing to be showcased at our Cine Suffragette. Thanks for leaving Jacqueline’s website here, I’ll get in touch with her.
Kisses!
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Oh yes, I hope you can showcase her book at Cine Suffragette. Excellent idea!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well with you.
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Enjoyed your review and have read Jacqueline’s insightful blog for years. However, if her book comments on the current political climate at all, it’s probably not for me. Not right now, at least. I’m still recovering from political fatigue!
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I can only imagine how politically fatigued you might be. I’m feeling it a bit myself – and I’m not even an American!
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From everything I’ve read, Stalin is considered a fascist–did I misunderstand what you meant? Also, Corner Gas is teh best!
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I suppose all dictators are cut from the same cloth, regardless of economic policies… I hope there will be a day when people aren’t burdened with these types of leaders any more.
As for Corner Gas, I have watched that series a zillion times. It always puts me in the mood for chili cheese dogs…
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Great post! I am a History graduate, and I wish could have studied this kind of thing at University. Cinema is a powerful tool for communication – and propaganda.
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You said it – cinema is a very powerful tool.
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Amazing Review, would love to read this book. 🙂
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It’s a smart, well-written book. Plus it makes you want to see every movie she references.
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