Franklin D Roosevelt speaking before Congress, Dec. 8, 1941
Disinformation, publicizing biased political causes and views, and the use of media to spread it was the theme of Hollywood in the 1940s. Propaganda was often used during wartime to confuse the enemy and the general public. The method was used to influence public opinion and shape behavior. When used strategically, propaganda could topple governments and cause severe injury to an institution, group, or a person.
Hollywood took full advantage of it and created films to sell an idea, belief, and cause. The studios used propaganda films under the pretense of entertainment. Check out seven films where propaganda was used to change opinions and views during wartime in the 1940s.
Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia (1943)
Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia is Director Frank Capra’s acclaimed World War II documentary series that was produced for the military. The goal of the production was to produce films that generated American support for the war. It was shown in movie houses to reach a mass audience. It used Russian military history that featured U.S. and Soviet newsreels to elicit excitement over U.S. war efforts and to create a rallying cry against Russia. The footage focused on epic battle scenes that convinced Americans that the Russians were needed to help defeat Adolf Hitler and his Nazi forces. In 1944, the film received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.
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Mrs. Miniver (1942)
The Academy Award-winning drama directed by the acclaimed William Wyler stars Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Teresa Wright, and Reginald Owen. The story centers around an English family’s endeavors to transcend the hardships of war. The patriarch (Pidgeon) faces a battle in Dunkirk; an air raid that kills a daughter; and a son who joins the Illustrious Royal Air Force. Through everything, Mrs. Miniver (Garson) keeps her head held high and inspired by hope.
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Saboteur (1942)
The classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller features an amazing cross-country chase for the person that committed a crime that he was wrongly accused of. Barry Kane (Robert Cummings) is a factory worker who is blamed for igniting a fire that damaged an airplane plant. The apparent act of sabotage caused him to seek the man he believes is responsible, Norman Lloyd, a coworker. Barry is forced to take a hostage, Patricia Martin (Priscilla Lane), who soon turns accomplish to help him catch Lloyd.
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A Walk in the Sun (1945)
In the 1945 drama, Nazi’s are at the center of this story. American soldier, Sgt. Bill Tyne, leads a platoon through the Italian countryside on a mission to seize a Nazi-controlled farmhouse. In this tragic World War II film, several skirmishes occur along with demonstrations of courage, friendships, and the bonds that tie people together through despair. The all-male cast includes Richard Conte, John Ireland and Lloyd Bridges. Lewis Milestone directs.
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Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)
Sands of Iwo Jima was one of the famous World War II movies that introduced America grit in a way that instilled American pride. Tough military sergeant John Stryker is relentless in his efforts to turn his new recruits into fighting machines. Although his methods were harsh, it was meant to save lives on the Iwo Jima battlefield, where there couldn’t be any room for fear, compromise, or failure.
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To Be or Not to Be (1942)
World War II was tragic and To Be or Not to Be is a film that meant to lighten the moods of the American audience. Joseph Tura (Jack Benny) leads a ragtag band of performing artists in Poland who aids an American soldier (Robert Stack) in carrying out his work in the Resistance efforts. The plot twist is the soldier’s affair with Tura’s wife (Carole Lombard).
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Hangmen Also Die (1943)
Czech resistance fighter Franticek Zvoboda (Brian Donlevy) contributes to the efforts to defend his country by assassinating Nazi-installed dictator Reinhard Heydrich. In the World War II thriller helmed by Fritz Lang, his mission forced him to seek sanctuary with a fellow Czech patriot (Walter Brennan). The Gestapo threatens to murder 400 of Prague’s residents if they refuse to turn over the Zvoboda.
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Rome Open City (1945)
The unsettling drama highlights the struggle of ordinary women and children who attempt to shield resistance forces from the Nazis. They’re challenged to maintain compassion and self-respect despite Rome’s de facto occupation during World War II’s waning days. Rossellini’s landmark film received an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. The film brilliantly depicts the Italian people’s despair and faith.
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A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
Royal Air Force pilot Peter Carter (David Niven) is forced to jump out of his plane without a parachute only to wake up alive and unharmed due to a heavenly mishap.
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The British War Collection: Went the Day Well? (1942)
A potential German invasion is the small British village of Bramley Greene. Sadistic Nazi officer Ortier (Basil Sydney) plots with local Fifth Columnist Oliver Wileford (Leslie Banks) by using a secret password that is cracked by telephone operator Mrs. Collins (Muriel George). She warns the village of the planned attack.
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Featured Image Credit: Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking before Congress, Dec. 8, 1941.
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