1. After World War 2, American films reflected the nation's post-war fears and anxieties through "social problem films" that examined issues like veterans' economic and social readjustment or racism. 2. As suspicions grew about the Soviets, the HUAC accused Hollywood of producing "un-American" films and blacklisted those who refused questioning, causing fear in the film industry. 3. Science fiction films of the era explored the paranoia of communist subversion through themes of infiltration and invasion, while other films reinforced traditional American values to appease audiences.

1. The Cold War in FilmErin SullivanHistory 17Fall 2009

2. Cold War Films Reflecting Post-War Feelings In the wake of World War the nation was gripped with fear from the effects of the post-war world.To mirror these feelings, films were made called "social problem films."The Oscar-winning The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) focused upon the economic and social readjustment of returning veterans.

3. Other films included Crossfire (1947) and Gentleman’s Agreement (1947) examined anti-semitism in America, while Pinky (1949) and Intruder in the Dust (1949) raise the issue of racismParanoia and SuspicionSuspicions grew concerning the Sovietsthe House Un-American Activities Committee came to Hollywoodaccused prominent directors, actors, and producers of harboring anti-American messages in films.

4. Paranoia and Suspicion cont.Movies were accused of promoting Soviet Ideology. Examples of "un-American" films:Mission to MoscowSong of Russia

5. Paranoia and Suspicion cont.Films of this time period cast Russian and Eastern European men for villains.Also Japanese men were also portrayed as "sneaky" and subversive. The film industry has done this throughout its history, most recently the increase of using men of Middle Eastern decent as villains, following 9/11 and the War on Terror.

6. Paranoia and Suspicion cont.McCarthyism struck Hollywood in the form of blacklisting.Actors, producers, and directors who refused to be questioned by HUAC were boycotted by major film studios.Major film corporations feared they too would be grouped into the growing suspicion of having communist involvement.

7. Science Fiction Films To thrill audiences Hollywood produced science fiction films which explored the fear and paranoia of Cold War America.Films often involved an invader subverting the innocent.Invasion of the Body Snatchers was an allegory to communist subversion where aliens infiltrate human bodies and on the surface seem normal.It was this kind of paranoia that the enemy cold be anywhere at any time which closely represented the general public.

8. "The message of this film was be vigilant: the enemy is everywhere!" Traditional Value Films To appease audiences Hollywood in the 1950's produced films in which traditional and American values are reinforced.Family, Religion, Hard Work, and Honesty were major themes of films such as Rebel Without a Cause.Young actor by the name of James Dean plays an outsider type who ultimately does not rebel but adheres to moral convictions.