Propaganda in the Film Industry
Film propaganda is defined as, “calculated and planned action of disseminating a particular view of the world using the technical apparatus of cinema.”(Sennett 2009). Casablanca was a popular film that was created shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The film was produced in the need to convince the American population of the moral duty to eliminate Nazi tyranny in Europe. The Warner Bros, who were popular in the film industry, cut all ties with businesses in Germany because they supported Franklin Roosevelt’s foreign and domestic policies and they did this to protest Hitler’s dictatorship. Also the government was supportive of the film industry, “it was a simple task for the Roosevelt government to enlist Hollywood’s total and enthusiastic support in the production of war propaganda.” (Sennett 2009, p.3). The government was veryinvolved and had rules and restrictions when it came to propaganda films but they also respected the industry’s need to make a profit as well. Much of the historical context and propaganda is now lost in the movie Casablanca but the love story still remains and is still popular to this day. American wartime films also promised an expected victory, but also allowed for personal and individual happiness.
Movies weren’t the only kind of film that produced propaganda, “Throughout the war, American moviegoers were treated to a steady stream of war related programming. The movie- going experience included a newsreel, which lasted from approximately 10 minutes and was loaded with images and accounts of recent battles, followed by an animated cartoon.”(The History Channel) The cartoons were usually depicted toward other countries and they were created to boost moral for the United States. Frank Capra also created a series of documentaries called “Why We Fight” and this series included footage of the Axis propaganda as well as accentuated the necessity of American involvement in the war as well as the importance of an Allied Victory. Movie theaters were trying to show movies that were non war related to ease the minds of the American’s and to not worry and bombard them with the worries of the war (The History Channel).
Movies weren’t the only kind of film that produced propaganda, “Throughout the war, American moviegoers were treated to a steady stream of war related programming. The movie- going experience included a newsreel, which lasted from approximately 10 minutes and was loaded with images and accounts of recent battles, followed by an animated cartoon.”(The History Channel) The cartoons were usually depicted toward other countries and they were created to boost moral for the United States. Frank Capra also created a series of documentaries called “Why We Fight” and this series included footage of the Axis propaganda as well as accentuated the necessity of American involvement in the war as well as the importance of an Allied Victory. Movie theaters were trying to show movies that were non war related to ease the minds of the American’s and to not worry and bombard them with the worries of the war (The History Channel).
Entertainment
As the war began in earnest, America increased the flood of propaganda, utilizing especially the radio and visual media, most specifically posters. (ThinkQuest). These types of media weren’t used just to promote the war but to also ease the minds of the people and serve as a distraction. “While popular entertainment served to demonize the nation’s enemies, it also views as an escapist outlet that allowed Americans brief respites from war worries.” (The History Channel) Once the war broke out, Americans began to listen to more patriotic and wartime related music. Some songs that were popular during this time were, “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,” “You’re a Sap, Mr. Jap,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” which was about a young soldiers military experience. These songs were used to boost the patriotism of the country to have everyone join together in forces.
The radio was another important piece of propaganda throughout the war. “People in the U.S. grew increasingly dependent on radio reports for news of the fighting overseas.” (The History Channel). The radio became very dramatic which was to increase featured war related storylines and updates. The radio was also restricted on the amount of information they could provide about the war and they also pumped propaganda messages as often as possible to keep the people reminded of the war effort and to contribute and participate. Magazines were also a way for the government to circulate propaganda to the public. They issued a Magazine War Guide that discussed war on the home front and gave people tips on how to live during the war. The media and propaganda were powerful and often silent weapons that targeted human emotions and psyches, and often caused people to feel and think things that they otherwise would not if not exposed to it. (Navarro).
The radio was another important piece of propaganda throughout the war. “People in the U.S. grew increasingly dependent on radio reports for news of the fighting overseas.” (The History Channel). The radio became very dramatic which was to increase featured war related storylines and updates. The radio was also restricted on the amount of information they could provide about the war and they also pumped propaganda messages as often as possible to keep the people reminded of the war effort and to contribute and participate. Magazines were also a way for the government to circulate propaganda to the public. They issued a Magazine War Guide that discussed war on the home front and gave people tips on how to live during the war. The media and propaganda were powerful and often silent weapons that targeted human emotions and psyches, and often caused people to feel and think things that they otherwise would not if not exposed to it. (Navarro).
William B. Lewis
William B. Lewis created the "This is War" series on the air through the government and this caught the attention of The Office of War Information. They proceeded to air this series to the public through 4 network stations and it led to the creation of the Radio Bureau in 1942. Lewis believed that the radio was very valuable because of the audience that it drew attention to. In the case of commercial radio, Lewis' office developed a simple but successful and effective plan for radio's participation in the war. He helped by developing the Network Allocation Plan (NAP), by which radio
programming would integrate war messages on a ''rotating schedule". However, Lewis believed that propaganda should be painless.
programming would integrate war messages on a ''rotating schedule". However, Lewis believed that propaganda should be painless.