Thursday, February 18, 2021

Strange Holiday (1945)

John (Claude Rains) returns home from a fishing holiday to find that fascists have taken over America in this rather strange film. John is arrested by the fascists and thrown in prison. John's America has gone and he reflects on this in jail as he awaits his execution. We slowly (rather too slowly) discover how the fascists managed to conquer America, abolishing the Constitution cheered on by an angry populace.

The message, that freedom and democracy has to be protected and not taken for granted, is laid thick in this atmospheric and moody film. 

The film was originally made as a propaganda film for General Motors and it shows, it was padded out for general release and this does not do much for the film. It isn't a subtle film at all yet is also somewhat tedious and directionless. The film is an interesting rather than an enjoyable watch. Some might say the film has relevance for today and modern politics but I'll leave that for others to discuss!