RUNNING TIME

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by Nora Sayre (1982)

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A critical look at the way Hollywood presented Communists during the 1950s. Hollywood argues that two types of communists exist: foreign and domestic. Foreign communists seek to penetrate without consent the noble boundaries of America. Domestic communists are already present within America and have been bought under an evil influence. Both undoubtedly seek the destruction of the “American way of life” by transforming ordinary people into soulless creatures similar to robots and zombies. Accordingly, the distinct tropes of the Hollywood communist. Walking too fast and at an angle, lurking on street corners, reading newspapers, loitering in shadows, speaking with a foreign accent, tempting, coaxing, and cajoling others whilst making promises of reward, wearing unusual apparel, displaying indifference to vice, displaying knowledge and experience of another culture, encouraging others to dream beyond the narrow and fading American Dream, having eyes that give the appearance of soulless possession, and sometimes being unattractive, if not repulsive, yet still a charming and gracious party host. Also, the McCarthy hearings as epitome and embryo of a coming national psychosis. The ritual of accusation and smear, followed by the ritual of “public repentance” (See Miller). The rejection of earlier Hollywood films that sought to understand Russia and Russians, or simply argued that peace was a desirable outcome. An insightful examination of 1950s Hollywood film written with much wit and satire. Non-fiction. 243 pages.

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DETAILS:

Title: Running time. Films of the cold war

Year: 1982

Author: Nora Sayre

Pages: 243

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Book review by Keith Salter