Hollywood As Mirror—Changing Views of "Outsiders" and "Enemies" in American Movies

Featuring the contributions of a number of prominent scholars who are conducting pioneering research into the connections between movies and history, Toplin shows how themes addressed in Hollywood films often reflect the interests, hopes, fears, and prejudices of the American people. The authors see movies as mirrors of important changes in American society. They trace significant transformations in popular opinion toward "outsiders," particularly immigrants, ethnic groups, African-Americans, and women, and they observe the development of attitudes toward "enemies," particularly fascists and communists abroad and subversives at home. Their essays demonstrate that movies can serve as valuable sources for sensing the changing pulse of American society.

ROBERT BRENT TOPLIN is Professor of History, The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the author of numerous books and articles, with a current focus on film and history.