“At Home At The Movies – Hail the Red, White & Blue - Patriotism Over Politics” July 2021 By Stephanie Mardesich
“At Home At The Movies – Hail the Red, White & Blue - Patriotism Over Politics” July 2021
By Stephanie Mardesich
This month July 2021 is the 245th anniversary of the beginning of the struggle for independence, begun in 1776, of the 13 original British “Colonies” rebelling against the homeland England because of excessive taxation and other issues, appropriately remembering and pondering the preamble of the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.“
As elementary school students growing up in 1950s forward we memorized this and many patriotic passages that these days are not always taught or respected. The progenitors and progeny of “the Greatest Generation” were instructed about the principles on which our United States of America government, and our identity as Americans, is based. Suffice to say “all lives matter” summarizing an essential tenant and what is most important to consider and live by appreciating and respecting the ideals, the citizens, and the international importance of USA - the greatest country on Earth.
With Independence Day July 4th, our most significant national holiday, commemorating the “spirit of ‘76” it’s appropriate to consider the meaning of freedom on all fronts – thought, word, action - not the least of which that war is never good and costs are huge in loss of life, sometimes liberty, and certainly happiness for the “loser” whether be the foe or opponent, or the brave serving in military or connected who suffered severe consequences. Of course there are also villains and “heroes” to recall and commemorate.
Some films for your viewing consideration, both entertaining and contemplative, that pertain to all of the above include:
Meet John Doe (USA, Frank Capra Productions/Warner Bros., 1941, 102 min., dir. Frank Capra)
It’s post the “great depression” however America is still recovering and war is raging in Europe. Ace news paper reporter Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) is “fired” in the paper’s effort to “down size.” She doesn’t give up easily and concocts a letter from a “John Doe” threatening to jump off tallest building in NYC on Christmas Eve in protest of the terrible social conditions Americans are enduring. The paper publishes her letter ergo they have to “deliver” Mr. Doe and after interviewing many indigent types “Long John Willoughby” aka John Doe (Gary Cooper) wins the role though he doesn’t have a clue what it all means. He just wants to get back to playing professional baseball. His sidekick The Colonel (Walter Brennan) is along for the ride and his Jiminy Cricket. Toward the culmination convention when John is supposed to deliver another inspiring speech, he’s in a bar with editor Connell (James Gleason) in tour de force performance reveals what’s really going on behind the scene, revealing the nefarious interests of the “businessmen, lead by diabolical D.B. Norton (Edward Arnold) and politicians manipulating the populace with John as the “puppet” image. Ann has been mislead, though realizes the truth, and her love for John, in dramatic and hopeful climax that speaks to what America means. One Academy Award® nomination for “best” original script, though worthy of so many more. It was a very big, if not competitive year in Hollywood. Excellent supporting cast includes: Spring Byington and Regis Toomey, among other familiar faces of the era.
According to his granddaughter Cass Warner this was Harry Warner’s favorite WB movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033891/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Saboteur (USA, Frank Lloyd Productions/Universal Pictures, 1942,109 min., dir. Alfred Hitchcock)
Airplane production plant worker Barry Kaye (Robert Cummings) is unjustly accused of arson with the burning of the plant where he proudly and patriotically works in WWII era. He escapes police custody and goes on the road to prove his innocence ultimately exposing Fascist group of real “saboteurs” lead by deceptively prominent businessman Charles Tobin (Otto Kruger). Along the way he meets lovely Pat Martin (Priscilla Lane) reluctant at first, yet she realizes his true character and aids in his effort. Award worthy climactic scene at Statue of Liberty fete of special effects without CGI. A young Norman Lloyd, who recently passed away at 106 years old, as nemesis and real culprit Frank Fry, in one of many outstanding roles.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035279/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Blondie For Victory (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1942, 71 min., dir. Frank R. Strayer)
Twelfth in Blondie “franchise” (28 films made from 1938-50 inspired by the comic strip) about the Bumstead family has Blondie (Penny Singleton) joining with other American housewives to do their part to help the (WW II) war effort. Bumbling Dagwood (Arthur Lake) mistakenly conscripted and an unlikely “hero” Private Hershel Smith (Stuart Irwin) at the center of the action. Dagwood’s boss the Irascible Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale) presence always adds more levity, if not conflict, to the scenario that’s combines concerns of war with some laughs, yet no less patriotic sentiment. All the ladies in military and other uniforms with the culminating musical number is terrific.
Note: Fay Kanin one of the screen writers went on to many stellar credits
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034526/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
All Through The Night (USA, Warner Bros., 1942 107 min. dir. Vincent Sherman)
It’s WWII era and New York City gambler "Gloves" Donahue (Humphrey Bogart) is on the trail of who killed the baker of his favorite cheesecake. He sees nightclub singer Leda Hamilton (Karen Verne) leaving the bakery and becomes suspicious, though in fact it’s more romantic than considering she “done it.” When the partner of her boss Marty Callahan (Barton MacLane's) is murdered, Leda and her accompanist Pepi (Peter Lorre) disappear. It turns out that beneath all of the mystery is a gang of Nazi operatives lead by suave ever Ebbing (ever sinister Conrad Veidt) who are planning to blow up a battleship in New York harbor that Gloves and confederates halt. A mystery with comedic undertones with the characters loyal patriots to the USA. Stellar cast is like a Damon Runyon roster including: Jackie Gleason, Phil Silvers Judith Anderson, William Demarest, Wallace Ford and stalwart Jane Darwell as Gloves mum Mrs. Donohue who always “has a feeling….”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034449/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_39
Patton (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1970, 172 min., PG, dir. Franklin Schaffner)
Story of “infamous” WW II General George S. Patton (George C. Scott) as his career progresses from North Africa and through the invasion of Europe and fall of the Third Reich. With reference to also Patton's many character flaws from his outrageous temper and tendency toward insubordination; faults that would prevent him from becoming the lead American general in the Normandy Invasion, as well as to his being relieved as Occupation Commander of Germany. Ten Oscar®nods, seven wins included “Best” picture and director and Scott for actor, though he notoriously declined the nomination and award.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066206/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Born On The 5th of July
(USA, Ixtlan Productions/Universal Pictures dist. 1989, 145 min., R, dir. Oliver Stone)
Biographical story of Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) based on Kovic’s book, about the Viet Nam war vet turned human rights activist. Recounting his story from childhood to paralysis as result of war injuries.
Intense action, riveting performances.
Eight Oscar®nods ,including Cruise for “Best actor, John Williams for (another) compelling musical score, editing; two wins (Stone for Best Director).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096969/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
The Patriot (USS/Germany, Sony Pictures, 2000, 165 min., R, dir. Roland Emmerich)
Set in colonial South Carolina in 1776, .French-Indian war hero Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), is troubled by his past and wants nothing more than to live peacefully on his small plantation, and no part of a war with England the most powerful nation in the world. His two eldest sons, Gabriel (Heath Ledger) and Thomas (Gregory Smith), however are eager to enlist in the newly created "Continental Army." When South Carolina does joins the rebellion against England, Gabriel, with out his father’s permission, immediately signs up to fight. Tragedy occurs when sinister British Colonel William Tavington (James Isaacs) infamous for his brutal tactics, descends on the Martin’s home village and burns the their plantation to the ground. Ergo Benjamin finds himself torn between protecting his family, and seeking revenge along
with being a part of the birth of the new ambitious nation. Interesting this thrice Oscar® nominated film about early days of American Revolutionary War directed by native of Germany known for “block buster” movies. Exciting and poignant, much to consider about the moral implications of war.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187393/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Flags Of Our Fathers
(USA, Dream Works/Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment, 2006, 135 min., R, dir. Clint Eastwood)
In WWII “Pacific Theatre of War” 1945, the USA Marines attacked 12,000 Japanese protecting the 20 square kilometers of the sacred Iwo Jima island in a very violent battle. When they reached Mount Suribachi five Marines and one Navy Corpsman raise their the USA flag on the top, and the photo became a symbol in a post Great Depression America. The government sends the three survivors home to America to raise funds for war, bringing hope to desolate people, and making the men heroes of the war. Though the traumatized service men have difficulty dealing with the image built by their superiors, sharing the heroism with their fellow soldiers.
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)