Hollywood Goes to War: Films and American Society, 1939-1952 Colin Shindler (Cambridge University, UK) 9781138971905

A historian's view of the relationship between American history and the American film industry, this book is a witty and perceptive account of Hollywood and its films in the years from the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe to the end of the war in Korea, It describes how film makers and their industry were shaped by and responded to the strong political and social stimuli of wartime America.

The author examines the recurring question of whether the movies were a reflection of the society in which they were produced, or whether by virtue of their undeniable propaganda power the films shaped that society. Combining evidence from literary, visual and oral sources, he covers a wide range of movies, emphasising in particular Casablanca, Mrs Miniver, The Best Years of Our Lives and Since You Went Away.

In addition to placing the films in a social and political context, the author shows that Hollywood is a perfect example of the bone-headed way in which people behave when they are dealing with large amounts of money and power. Enjoyably nostalgic, this book will appeal to film enthusiasts as well as those interested in war and its effect on society.

Reviews of the original edition:

'Not to be missed by those who love the cinema as art and entertainment and who revel in its eccentricities...very sharp, knowledgeable and fiercely nostalgic.' - Birmingham Post

'..deals brightly and knowledgably with Casablanca, Mission to Moscow, Five Graves to Cairo, Guadalcanal Diary, Action in the North Atlantic, Since They Went Away and all other war movies which kept the queues lengthening for five years.' - Screen International