American History at the Movies
Hollywood film producers have, over the years, both furthered the cause of American history and misrepresented the "reel" facts. History-themed movies demonstrate the nature of American society, depicting racial bias in some films and in other cases advancing the aims of social and political propaganda. Some movies are "good history," engaging the audience and addressing relevant topics. Others perpetuate myths often born out of patriotic zeal or pure entertainment. Some films have become "classics," like Gone With The Wind. The status of Hollywood films, however, often fails to address the historicity associated with the plot. The following articles look at different films, some used in classroom instruction. Not every "history" movie, however, can be verified as fact over fiction.
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Gone With the Wind portrays an American South as it never actually was, feeding racial biases and mythologies about Southern society in the years before the Civil War. An award-winning film still considered one of the best movies ever made, the epic provides viewers with superb acting, directing, music, and filming, but really bad history.
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Frank Capra's film is an attempt to demonstrate that government truly is by the people and that the entrenched members of Congress have lost touch with the people, embroiled in their own scandals and special interests. Is there room for one man to step into the Senate chambers and make a difference? What will the truth cost? Jimmy Stewart gave a riveting performance as the ultimate "newbie" who learned quickly to use Senate rules. This film represents a good reason to discuss term limits and the innocence of Congressmen subjected to lobbyists and the ease of greed and power.
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True history slices past the mythologies perpetuated by Hollywood and television depictions. The real Davy Crockett was more believable and courageous that the comic book, cartoon versions that made their was out of weekly Walk Disney adventures.
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History class room benefit from video clips of historical movies, but only when used as ice-breakers during a unit under study or to illustrate points under discussion by members of the class.
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Patriotism has long been identified with classic American films focusing on the Founding Fathers, governmental institutions, and the celebration of freedom. This "guide" summarizes several of those cinematic expressions.
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The temptation to use parts of veritable classic films like The Alamo is great; hardly a patriotic eye will remain dry when John Wayne, about to fight Santa Anna at the Alamo, tells the audience what the word "republic" means to him. Such movies tug the hearts of viewers anxious to renew a heavy dose of patriotism. Other hyper-patriotic films, like Red Dawn packed theaters but was banned in the USSR as inflamatory. Judgment at Nuremberg was accurate but glossed over the destruction of Dresden and the Katyn massace of Polish officers. Some movies, like Mel Brooks' Producers add a distinct comedic vein, but thery are far more psychological than accurate. The same can be said of Books' comedy classic,To Be or Not to Be and the irreverent Blazing Saddles.
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