This 2-for-1 movie special includes two excellent examples of classic political satire drama: The Great American Hoax and Nation Aflame. The first film, Great American Hoax, was made for TV and aired in 1957 on the 20th Century-Fox hour. John Hodges (Ed Wynn) is an elderly printer who loses his job due to a policy decision made by the president of the company that owns the financial holding company that owns the printing company that he works for.
Taking advantage of the natural alienation that comes from corporate webs, Hodges impersonates the president of Dynamerica Industries in a bid to get his job back. An investigation arises when unable to decline an invitation to a business award lunch, Hodges gives a speech that is republished in newspapers nationwide.
The second film, Nation Aflame, was released in 1937. The plot follows a group of hucksters who, run out of town by the locals, decide to create a vigilante organization based on prejudice. “The suckers will eat this up,” their leader proclaims in the first minutes of the movie. The Klu Klux Klan-style organization, the Avenging Angels, booms in membership which sways elections, strikes, and creates mob violence. This mirrors events in American politics of the 30s and is still pertinent to American politics today.
These two films are extremely valuable for both public libraries and academic libraries. History instructors, film professors, and teachers of social sciences will find use in both of these films. Readily accessible, easy to watch, and well-made, these classic films can help illustrate the political views and concerns of Americans in the 1930s and 1950s.
Fans of classic films will enjoy The Great American Hoax and Nation Aflame. The topics of justice, self-determination, labor rights, and the material effects of far-right politics are still as relevant today as they were when these films were released. This two-film collection is an excellent addition to all library shelves. Highly Recommended.
What library shelves do these films belong on?
The Great American Hoax and Nation Aflame belong on the classic film, political satire, and drama shelves in public libraries. Patrons would be interested in checking out The Great American Hoax because it provides a charming drama and a window into the socio-political mindset of the 1950s. Nation Aflame is an excellent example of how little the prejudice-based organizations of today have changed when compared to their historic precursors.
Here are two little known film adaptations based on stories written by celebrated authors Paddy Chayefsky (Network, Marty) and Thomas Dixon (Birth of a Nation). Enjoy scenes from the two films...
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Stills from The Great American Hoax
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Still from The Great American Hoax
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Still from The Great American Hoax
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Still from The Great American Hoax
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Still from The Great American Hoax
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Still from The Great American Hoax
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Still from Nation Aflame
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Still from Nation Aflame
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Still from Nation Aflame
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Still from Nation Aflame
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Still from Nation Aflame
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Still from Nation Aflame