Safe At Home…..Saluting the Movies & Patriotic POV

by Stephanie Mardesich

July signifies the birth of our nation with legendary stories of the “shot heard round the world” that lead to the break from England - “no taxation without representation” - Revolutionary War, and the original 13 colonies and "founding fathers" creating the United States of America.

Though the ultimate conflict to gain freedom from tyranny in any manner war is often depicted with dramatic and romantic context, though ironically the pugnacious nature of “war” to achieve peace is neither, with terrible consequences including loss of life and property and demoralization of the population.

Since the early days of motion pictures and over the decades many films have revealed historical and fictional stories of war vis a vis devotion to cause and country that defines patriotism. Currently we are experiencing a challenging time with regard to so much conflict and unrest domestically and abroad.

Through the lens of film we can find some perspective and insight reflecting on historical, diverse, even comical scenarios. Here are some movies from revolutionary war through Korean battleground, and another with comedic tone, where war (or threat thereof) is fundamental to plot,, yet it’s essential to consider the evocative content reflecting patriotism from many vantage points:

(Note: If no rating film produced pre the current code).

1776 (USA, 1972, Columbia Pictures, 141 min., dir. Peter H. Hunt)

Film adaptation of popular Broadway musical about the American Revolution and Continental Congress declaring independence; and founding fathers creating the U.S.A. and Constitution. Charming moments including the famous correspondence of John & Abigail Adams. Robust, romantic, dramatic interpretation of the “shot heard round the world.” Talented cast includes: Ken Howard (Thomas Jefferson), Howard DeSilva (Benjamin Franklin), William Daniels (John Adam), Blythe Danner (Martha Jefferson).

Oscar® nod for Best Cinematography.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068156/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Glory (USA, Tri-Star Pictures, 2989, 122 min., R; dir. Edward Zwick)

Recounts obscure “chapter” of the Civil War, aka “war against the states” and (now called) Afro-American (volunteer) battalion the 54th Massachusetts Infantrymen, that preceded the Buffalo Soldiers.

Lead by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), son of well to do Boston abolitionists, who volunteered to lead the first all black group of Yankee soldiers, ignoring edict that would have him killed for doing so, Shaw is in precarious place facing prejudice from the soldiers he leads and serves, and the enemy he defies. The story encompasses not only the painful casualties of war, also the sacrifices to achieve freedom on so many levels. Denzel Washington garnered Academy Award® win for Best Supporting Actor as escaped slave Private Trip fighting for the Union army. Morgan Freeman (Sgt. Major John Rollins) and Gary Elwes (Major Cabot Forbes) turn in stellar performances. Cautionary note: Some violently graphic and painful scenes).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097441/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Yankee Doodle Dandy (USA, Warner Bros., 1942, 106 min., dir. Michael Curtiz)

Story of famed performer and composer George M.Cohan rigorously played by James Cagney who won Academy Award® for Best Actor (two more wins for sound recording and music scoring) with his tour de force performance depicting the life and career the multi talented Cohan. Total of Eight Oscar® nods and three wins.

Total entertainment with great sentiment.

Note: Rosemary DeCamp (played Cohan’s mother) daughters attended Chadwick School, PVP, in 1960s.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035575/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Miracle Of Morgan Creek (USA, Paramount Studios, 1943, 98 min., dir. Preston Sturges)

Redoubtable director Preston Stugess again offers irreverent comedic tale of WWII, with another unique scenario the director famous for (my personal favorite is Sullivan’s Travels). Leonard Maltin calls “a daring wartime farce.”

Adorable and vivacious Betty Hutton shines as Trudy Kokenlocker who after an innocent night of revelry finds she is “expecting” though married, yet no recollection of the event or husband.

Note: Betty’s daughter also attended Chadwick School in the 1950s-60s.

Oscar® nod best screenplay

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037077/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Mrs. Miniver (USA, M GM, 1942, 134 min., dir. William Wyler)

Made in America, though the story takes place in Great Britain revealing early days of WWII before the U.S.A,, as some view, came to rescue of Europe. The propinquity between the Brits and “Yanks” is ironic considering the Revolutionary War was waged for the U.S.A. to “escape” from the rule of Great Britain.

Ever elegant Greer Garson as the title character Mrs. Miniver, happily married to Clem (Walter Pidgeon), represent middle class of Great Britain facing up to the strain and struggles of war. At the crux of the story is the rivalry of the rose, and romance between the classes. Romantic and inspiring. See this film with the one you love, or intend to.

Record making of the era film represents the best in filmmaking, garnering 12 Academy Awardâ nominations and six wins including Garson for Best Actress, Wright for Best Supporting Actress.

Theresa Wright (Carol Beldon), Dame May Witty (Lady Beldon), Reginald Owen (Foley), Richard Ney (Vin Miniver).

Note: Greer Garson married Richard Ney, the actor who plays her son, 12 years her junior in 1943. The union lasted five years, though they apparently remained friends)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035093/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

One Minute To Zero (USA, RKO Pictures, Howard Hughes producer, 1952, 105 min., dir. Tay Garnett)

This more obscure title takes place during early days of the Korean War, U.S. Army colonel Steve Janowski (Robert Mitchum) is one of the military advisers training the South Korean army whose mission is to evacuate American civilians from the war zone. Enter idealistic United Nations official Linda Day (Ann Blythe) and inevitable romance ensues, though complicated.

Many will recognize William Tallman (Col. John Parker) of Perry Mason fame (district attorney Hamilton Burger).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044997/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Rally Round The Flag Boys (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1958, 106 min., )

Married couple Harry and Grace Bannerman (Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward), residing in Connecticut (and the married in real life Mr. & Mrs. Newmans actually lived in the state), are (mostly) against an Army missile base opening in their suburban “utopia.” Based on the “very funny” novel by Max Schulman the comic turn of events offers a different “twist” on what it means to be an American. Though film didn’t elicit high critical praise upon release, it’s ultimately entertaining and worth viewing.

Cast includes always reliable Jack Carson (Captain Maxie), ever alluring Joan Collins (Angela Hoffa), coy Tuesday Weld (Comfort Goodpasture) in “breakthrough” role, and Dwayne Hickman (Grady Metcalf). The latter two were soon to be seen in the hit TV show The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Director McCarey nominated for prestigious DGA Best Director award.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052117/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Note: See “Safe At Home At the Movies” Vol. I, No. 1 that featured several WWII theme films that pertain to this month’s theme.

Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.

For more see:

(to look up films) www.imdb.com

www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)

www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)