Hollywood Goes to War

Hollywood: Hollywood Goes to War (1980)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Episode four in the now legendary documentary series takes a look at how Hollywood changed once WW1 began and what impact this would have through the silent era and what eventual downfall it would have at the box office before getting a kick start with THE BIG PARADE. The film starts off with some early examples including CIVILIZATION and then onto Griffith's INTOLERANCE, which is called a box office dud here even though some figures argue against that. When then head towards the war as stars like Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford helped sell war bonds while Griffith was allowed overseas to film HEARTS OF THE WORLD on the front lines. Once again those unfamiliar with the silent era and all it has to offer are going to be in for a real treat as pretty much everything is discussed and shown here. I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with the quality of not only the clips shown but the way they are presented. I found it quite fascinating to see how the country changed by the time we entered the war and by the time it was winding down. I thought the documentary gave a very clear look at how Hollywood tries to capture the spirits, energy and horrors of the war but at the same time making sure people would continue to come and not be worn down by the images they might see. The post war talk goes to films like THE BIG PARADE, WHAT PRICE GLORY? and the Oscar-winning WINGS. Those interviewed this time out include Gish, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Agnes de Mille, Blanche Sweet, Jesse Lasky, Jr., Valerie von Strokeim and Raoul Walsh. The always entertaining William Wellman also appears with a few nice stories about the making of WINGS.