Film review: ‘The War Against Mrs. Hadley’ (1942)

Jean Rogers and Van Johnson in 'The War Against Mrs. Hadley'

'The War Against Mrs. Hadley,' a cinematic masterwork from the latter part of 1942. Commencing on December 7, 1941, and starring Fay Bainter as an imperious, snobbish, entitled widow of a former newspaper proprietor who encounters difficulty in embracing the reality of America's entry into World War II; to the extent that she estranges nearly all the individuals in her life. As one character is quoted, 'she hasn’t an ounce of patriotism in her,' and she 'acts as if the war is a personal crusade against her.' Showcasing a cast of renowned actors, with the distinguished Edward Arnold in the lead, and a screenplay by George Oppenheimer that received an Academy Award nomination, this picture is obligatory viewing for anyone with an interest in domestic life in America during World War II. Outstanding work.

Copyright 2023, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, and @arthurnewhook on POST and THREADS.

The response of America to two distinct media scandals involving modeling work with lesbian themes, and the implications it holds regarding our society

#OTD 1983: Vanessa Williams is crowned the first black Miss America. She would be stripped of the crown following the publication of lesbian-themed softcore photos from her modeling portfolio. In 2016, many of the same people who called for Vanessa Williams’ head took no issue with the wife of a swindler - a white Eastern European lady who likewise had done lesbian-themed modeling work - becoming First Lady of the United States. In all fairness, Vanessa Williams did recover from the scandal and forge a prosperous singing career. Nevertheless, this narrative does not present a particularly flattering portrayal of the values and inclinations of this nation. 

Copyright 2023, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, and @arthurnewhook on POST and THREADS.