Amazing Historical Document of Anti-Communist Witchhunt of the 50's

I guess at this time in history, it was necessary for all performers who wished to work or continue working on radio and television in the United States to openly declare themselves anti-communist or to show support for the anti-communist witch-hunt. 

I assume the easiest way to fulfill loyalty obligations was to appear in explicitly anti-communist propaganda shows like this. I assume Jack Benny chose this as the most innocuous way to pledge his allegiance and stay on radio and television. 

Benny seems annoyed that he has to host and listen to the 20 minute anti-communist sermon given by a rather nervous and witless Catholic Priest. The guest stars, like Loretta Young and William Holden remind one of Prisoners of War who are forced to recite confessions.

It is a sad affair to watch, but an important historical document showing the lunacy of the McCarthy times.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Comedian Jack Benny has his butler, Rochester, call several of his celebrity friends over to the house. Benny introduces them to a Catholic priest, who speaks to them about doing a film for a group called the Christophers. The Christophers are an organization that wants to use different mediums such radio, TV, and film to inspire young people to change the world for the better by pursuing careers in public service like teaching and government work. The priest gives the celebrities a history lesson about the founding of the U.S. and God's role in it, and he asks for their help.

Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Ann Blyth, Irene Dunne, Paul Douglas, and Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson in You Can Change the World (1950)

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Paul Newman, Joan Collins, Jack Carson, and Joanne Woodward in Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys! (1958)

Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Ann Blyth, Irene Dunne, Paul Douglas, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, and Loretta Young in You Can Change the World (1950)

You Can Change the World

Photos6

Top Cast12

User reviews9

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed