Comments on: A Call to Lights, Camera, and Action: How Hollywood Woke America to the Nazi Threat

By: Christopher Dirks

Christopher Dirks — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:24:51 +0000

I found your topic interesting, but I did notice that you didn’t examine a number of the many (sometimes B quality) anti-Fascist espionage-laden British films that were produced in the 1930s and early 1940s — often starring American actors/actresses — and their influence, which was significant in warning Americans of impending dangers. Some titles: “Sabotage” (1936); “Clouds Over Europe” (1939); “Night Train to Munich” (1940). Then, of course, you can’t forget Warner Bros.’ “Casablanca” (1942) – the rousing anti-Nazi film (besides the underlying romantic back story of Rick and Ilsa’s idyllic time in Paris before the German occupation) — particularly the drowning out of the Nazis by La Marsellaise. Perhaps the American classic was after your time frame, as the war was already in progress. You did include “Foreign Correspondent” (1940), but seem to have overlooked the many other British films that appeared on American silver screens. So I’m wondering why you limited your scope and examined only a handful of titles.

By: Mary Lee Wooley

Mary Lee Wooley — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:07:28 +0000

Excellent work combining interesting and informative material. Congratulations!
I agree that your students will be lucky to have you!

By: Tracy Cosgriff

Tracy Cosgriff — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:59:47 +0000

A very interesting topic, Jackson! I’m delighted that you’ve continued to think about visual and material cultures. Congratulations on this great conclusion to your senior year – your future students will be lucky to have you!

By: Dante King

Dante King — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:23:03 +0000

Sure thing! I completely agree!

By: Jackson Stuff

Jackson Stuff — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:15:56 +0000

Thanks Matt for your appreciation for my comedy chapter. The Three Stooges work in comedic shorts meant that most political censors ignored them because they did not view shorts as “high quality”. So that allowed the Stooges to go right after Hitler and make such a strong impression on early 1940 America. Also speaking of the influence of comedy. American Isolationists and Germany itself were very well aware of the influence of Charlie Chaplin and both groups worked heavily against him while he made “The Great Dictator”.

By: Jackson Stuff

Jackson Stuff — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:10:07 +0000

Thanks Dante, I am glad you enjoyed my topic and my angle. I firmly believe pop culture of any decade or century is one of the most ideal ways to examine sociopolitical attitudes of that particular era. Because those stories are what the people relate to and give a strong indication of their true feelings on issues.

By: Matthew Brown

Matthew Brown — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 05:48:35 +0000

Fantastic work, Jackson! I found the comedies of 1940 and 1941 exceptionally interesting. It is incredible what power humor, especially in media, can hold in seamlessly conveying a message.

By: Dante King

Dante King — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 01:14:05 +0000

Hey Jackson! This is fascinating!! I think it’s awesome when pop culture can be used to learn about social, political, and sociopolitical attitudes at a given time like this. Spectacular job!! Also, Captain America at the end “put a smile on my face.” 😀