Introduction:
The film industry during the Cold War was initially a means of social control, and mass implementation of Cold War values. Why? Because if we look back at HUAC we know that the film industry underwent much of the initial scrutiny and brunt of Cold War paranoia and fear. Film was a medium that could travel outside of the country and it was an easy method to influence both foreign and domestic opinion. In the United States there were even several organizations that esured the promotion of American Values. These included, but are not limited to, The Production Code Administration, The Catholic Legion of Decency, and the aptly named Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. As the Cold War advanced a significant shift from indoctrination of american values to critiquing government and society occurs. From this point onwards, both styles of popular Cold War culture are prevelant.
(Many of these original Cold War films are now being remade, one such example of which is Red Dawn. ) |
Process:
To complete this section of the Webquest follow the directions below:
1. For each of the following movie clips/trailers you should watch the video and read the story synopsis included in the links. Using these resources you should be able to identify the following items:
2. Seperated at the bottom in A British film made in 1957 critizing the United States, Instead of asnwering all of the other questions for this, please simply answer the singluar question next to video clip.
4. Once you have completed this section, move onto your next topic. If you have finished your two sections completely raise your hand and let me know. I will come around to check your work.
1. For each of the following movie clips/trailers you should watch the video and read the story synopsis included in the links. Using these resources you should be able to identify the following items:
- Identify if the movie was a part of the paranoid style, or if it was a part of the later counterculture. Explain why you think the movie belongs to which.
- What possible real life Cold war event could have influenced the movie? Use facts from class to prove your statement.
- Would you want to watch the movie after seeing this clip? Why or why not?
- Who is painted positively in this clip, and why would that matter?
2. Seperated at the bottom in A British film made in 1957 critizing the United States, Instead of asnwering all of the other questions for this, please simply answer the singluar question next to video clip.
- Why would this movie be controversial in Cold War era America?
4. Once you have completed this section, move onto your next topic. If you have finished your two sections completely raise your hand and let me know. I will come around to check your work.
Cold War Films
Walk on East Beacon 1952
Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956
Dr. Strangelove: Or how I learned to Stop worrying and Love the Bomb 1964
Fail Safe 1964
Them! 1954
A King in New York
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While this film is a british work, It was shown in the UNited States, but not until ten years after its originial relase.
Why would this movie be controversial in Cold War America? |
If you have spare time, check out some of the extra following videos. Reminder on the videos below just watch and enjoy. These are for your spare or extra time.
Invasion USA 1952 (left) and
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