PATRIOTIC HOLLYWOOD MONTH

Hollywood was one of the greatest sources of Patriotism in years gone by. The flag waved proudly on the silver screen as goosebumbs gathered across the audience. It helped with the war effort of World War II and reminded the public not just about what we were fighting for, but that we would prevail during those dark times. These movies were written by people, people who were at one time refugees or imigrants. They came to a land that gave them opportunity and freedom from opression, and they used their talents to forever thank this country for those gifts. Though their ancestores were not present when the Decleration of Independence was signed, the privleges of this country was extended to them regarldless of their birth.

I think that one of the greatest expression that I've found to prove this fact, was in Frank Capra. Born in Sicily, he immigrated at the tender age of six to Ellis Island. He recalled what his father had said as the family first saw the Statue of Liberty, "That's the greatest light since the star of Bethlehem." He enlisted in WWI and then again on December 11th, 1941 in WWII, now as a well known director. He enlisted once again at fifty-three when the Korean War began, and was rejected for his advanced age. When asked why he kept enlisting, he responded that he didn't feel right making the movies he did unless he lived a life similar to his characters.

Frank Capra & John Ford during WWII.

For this month, I will be dedicating as much time as possible to posting on the patriotic side of Hollywood. As always, I'll begin with my favorite top ten films - Here they are:

#1. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

#2. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

#3. Sergeant York (1941)

#4. This is the Army (1943)

#5. The Alamo (1960)

#6. Let Freedom Ring (1939)

#7. Johnny Tremain (1957)

#8. Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

#9. Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

#10. Since You Went Away (1944)