Hollywood, Fascism, and Jew-Baiting Prior to 1939

The years leading up to 1939 saw an influx of fascist organizations in Los Angeles. This made the Hollywood moguls ultra-sensitive to homegrown fascism as they began to fight back by funding an underground espionage network, led by attorney Leon Lewis. More public pushback came from the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League, made up of individuals from across the Popular Front. Pro-fascist support began to surface in the form of the Friends of New Germany, German-American Bund, and the Silver Shirt who each had factions in Los Angeles. As the conflict in Europe developed, so did anti-war sentiments in the United States (many were still miffed about our involvement in World War I). This period also saw the rise of anti-Semitic and isolationist voices ranging from Father Charles Coughlin to members of the America First movement.

Overshadowed by History

This chapter concludes Hollywood Hates Hitler. Yogerst writes that the 1941 Senate Investigation into Motion Picture Propaganda did not make, break, or define anyone. However, it served as a crowning point in United States history where a hotly debated topic over the European war centered on blaming movies for any interventionist attitude. History has shown that as long as popular culture continues to flourish, the threats of politicians and self-appointed moral crusaders will continue. However, any argument to do away with the next feared form of popular culture will likely be as empty as those brought forth by the isolationist senators in 1941

John T. Flynn, “Nasty Man”

John T. Flynn was the testimony of the day. Flynn opened by introducing himself to the three hundred attendees as a journalist who primarily writes on economic and social issues. Flynn also worked as an associate editor for Collier’s and served as contributing editor for the New Republic in addition to being an author of several books. Senator Worth Clark inquired about relevant background for this investigation, but Flynn had nothing new to add. When McFarland asked Flynn’s purpose in testifying, Flynn stated his role as New York chairman of the America First Committee. Flynn and McFarland had a lively bout while trying to find out Flynn’s role in this investigation. McFarland pegged Flynn as a propagandist himself and argued circles around the journalist. Flynn outlined a long list of films he felt were propagandistic war mongering.