Cold War Russia had no greater leader than Joseph Stalin. “Stalin,” is a historical look back at the Russian leader’s politics and policies. Full of propaganda and anti-communist rhetoric it breaks down the conflict between the United States and Russia, with plenty of scenes of Stalin via newsreels and post WWII conferences
Included Films:
Answer to Stalin
Answer to Stalin
Produced: 1949
Length: 19 Minutes
“While Russia continues her aggressive attitude towards free nation’s world peace, your peace and mine, will hang very precariously in the balance,” states the narrator of, “Answer to Stalin.” Propaganda circles around the issues of communism and America’s response to the “Russian aggression,” as the narrator breaks down the Cold War conflict. Under the supposition that Americans do not truly understand why there is tension between Russia and America, especially after being allies in World War II, every aspect of communism, Russia’s supposed policy on expansion, and America’s response is dissected.
The Big Lie
The Big Lie
Produced: 1950s
Length: 20 Minutes
Adolf Hitler said, “The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.” This is the basis of “The Big Lie,” a scare tactic propaganda piece aimed to warn the people from the tyranny of dictatorship and the communists. The message of the film – made during the Cold War – is to beware of communism and to not fall victim to Stalin and his ‘gang of oppressors.’ It plays upon the fears of the times, showing communist countries where people are without possessions or free will, their lives made dismal by the totalitarian governments under which they live.
Potsdam Conference
Potsdam Conference
Produced: 1945
Length: 8 Minutes
This film has unique footage of the arrival of President Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin to the Potsdam Conference in Potsdam, Germany, held from July 17 to August 2, 1945. Known as the Big Three, the leaders met to discuss post-WWII efforts toward peace agreements. Included in the film are shots of President Trumans arrival and greetings by Churchill and Stalin.
Pathe News Digest
Pathe News Digest
Produced: 1937
Length: 13 Minutes
Pathe News Digest produced general interest newsreels and this 1937 reel covers all the major events in the year. Much of the coverage is about World War 2, including Stalin reviewing his fleet and air force. Also included is a CIO strike in which workers break factory windows, 1930s sports footage of the Washington vs. Chicago football game, the coronation of King George VI, movies about Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales (a great bit of 1930s culture), Amelia Earharts last flight preparations before disappearing, and Hindenburg video of the amazing and tragic explosion and crash. There is also other footage of interest, including that of the Ohio flooding disaster, emphasized by water-filled houses and destroyed buildings, and tragic scenes of Madrids war carnage marked bombed buildings, barricades on city streets, and the removal of bodies from the rubble. 30s culture, everything from fashion to politics, are well covered in this fascinating time warp of a newsreel.
