Today’s post is written by David Langbart, an Archivist in the Textual Records Division at the National Archives at College Park. During World War II, the U.S. government produced propaganda films to rally public support. Among the most famous of those motion pictures is Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress released in 1944. The … Continue reading Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress
Category: Hollywood and Film
Hollywood, Movies, Motion Pictures, Film, Cinema, Movie Stars, etc.
Edith Head: Designer to the Stars
Today’s post was written by Laney Stevenson, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park. Although fashion may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of government records and the holdings of the National Archives, fashion and dress has, and continues to be, a significant aspect of life for many … Continue reading Edith Head: Designer to the Stars
With the Pentagon’s Blessing: Hollywood, the Military, and Don Baruch
Today’s post is written by Daniel Dancis, an Archivist in the Textual Processing Branch at the National Archives, College Park. Americans and cinema enthusiasts the world over will be tuning in this weekend to watch who will receive the Academy Awards at the 90th Oscars ceremony. Someone from the Pentagon may also be paying attention … Continue reading With the Pentagon’s Blessing: Hollywood, the Military, and Don Baruch
Myrna Loy: Her World Beyond Hollywood, Part II 1950-1993
Today’s post is written by Dr. Greg Bradsher, Senior Archivist at the National Archives at College Park On February 4, 1950, Howland H. Sargeant, then Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs wrote George V. Allen, then U. S. Ambassador to Yugoslavia, that “Miss Myrna Loy has been here for the past week…doing more … Continue reading Myrna Loy: Her World Beyond Hollywood, Part II 1950-1993
Myrna Loy, Her World Beyond Hollywood, Part I 1905-1949
Today’s post is written by Dr. Greg Bradsher, Senior Archivist at the National Archives at College Park Myrna Loy was an American actress whose 129 movie career made her a household name for decades. A New York Times reporter wrote in November 1987, that “During the many years Myrna Loy reigned as one of America’s … Continue reading Myrna Loy, Her World Beyond Hollywood, Part I 1905-1949
“Let’s Make a Movie:” The Allied Screening Commission (Italy) and the documentary Onore al Merito (To Whom Honor is Due), 1946
Today’s post is written by Dr. Greg Bradsher, Senior Archivist at the National Archives at College Park. During World War II, over 100,000 Italians helped at least 10,000 Allied escapees and evaders, by providing material and financial assistance to them in their efforts in avoiding being seized by the Germans and Fascists, as well as … Continue reading “Let’s Make a Movie:” The Allied Screening Commission (Italy) and the documentary Onore al Merito (To Whom Honor is Due), 1946
Preparing for the release of “On the Beach”
Today’s post is written by David Langbart, an Archivist in the Textual Records Division at the National Archives at College Park. In 1959, United Artists released the major motion picture On the Beach, based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Nevil Shute. Both the book and the movie depict a post-apocalyptic world … Continue reading Preparing for the release of “On the Beach”
“In Motion Pictures We Do Not Actually Dynamite the Sheep,” A Brief Look at Hollywood’s Filming History with the National Park Service
Today's post was written by Cody White, Archivist at the National Archives at Denver. The United States National Park system, its scope and breadth unrivaled in the world, boasts hundreds of parks, monuments, sites, recreation areas, and even the White House within its purview. Saved from development and also federally managed, the most notable geological … Continue reading “In Motion Pictures We Do Not Actually Dynamite the Sheep,” A Brief Look at Hollywood’s Filming History with the National Park Service
“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”: Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy as Movie Critic
By David Langbart “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is considered one of the great motion pictures produced by the American movie industry. In 1989, the Library of Congress added this masterpiece to the United States National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The movie, starring James Stewart as Jefferson Smith (the “Mr. … Continue reading “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”: Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy as Movie Critic
“North by Northwest” Starring…Mount Rushmore?
Today's post is written by Cody White, Archivist at the National Archives at Denver “This is only one more step in our national disintegration, a loss of respect for things sacred to our history. This guardianship has been entrusted to you and it’s high time you did something about it.” It was August 1959 and an … Continue reading “North by Northwest” Starring…Mount Rushmore?